

Class ‘I 

Book , )< r r. . . 

GpightN" W' 


C.OEWIGHT DEPOSIT. 





















/ 


‘ I 

I 



t 







* 




u 


> 

( 



> . 



I 


> 




I 


THE BIG WAR SERIES 


WITH JOFFRE ON THE 
BATTLE LINE 

The Adventures of an American Boy 
in the Trenches 


BY 

ROSS KAY 

Author of “The Air Scout,” “The Search for the Spy,” 
“Dodging the North Sea Mines,” etc. 


ILLUSTRATED BY 
CLARE ANGELL 


NEW YORK 
BARSE & HOPKINS 
PUBLISHERS 



THE BIG WAR SERIES 
by Ross Kay 

1. The Seabch fob the Spy 

2. The Aib Scout 

3. Dodging the Nobth Sea Mines 

4. With Joffbe on the Battle Line 
(other books in preparation) 


Copyright, 1915 

by 

Barse & Hopkins 


I 


VAIL< BALLOU COMPANY 



•IN«NAMTON AND MeW YOUK 


r 


m 

©aA:5i)8325 






PREFACE 


Every American boy is, or ought to be, deeply 
interested in the latest European war — the great- 
est struggle of all history. All may lament the 
existence of the gigantic contest, but sorrow can- 
not explain it away. Its effects on civilization 
and commercial life, the heroism of the soldiers, 
the measureless cost of life, suffering and money, 
are facts that cannot be ignored. Every intelli- 
gent man (and boy) ought to understand the 
causes of the contest and its development. 

The natural way to interest boys is by means 
of a story. The writer has not glorified war, al- 
though he has accepted it as a fact that cannot 
Kghtly be pushed aside. He has tried to avoid 
sensationalism and a false conception of the glory 
of war. The incidents which have been incorpor- 
ated in this tale have all been reported in dis- 
patches from the field. 



) 


TABLE OF CONTENTS 


CHAPTEB PAGE 

I A Start for the Front 11 

II A Close Call 19 

III An Unexpected Meeting 26 

IV A New Ally 35 

V A Strange Conveyance 43 

VI An Encounter with the Uhlans . . 50 

VII A Surprise 57 

VIII New Friends 65 

IX A E-ide in the Night 74 

X A New Conveyance 84 

XI A Bold Plan 94 

XII An Ambush 102 

XIII A Fresh Start for the Front . . .Ill 

XIV Through the Air 121 

XV The Arrival at the Marne .... 133 

XVI Under Suspicion 144 

XVII At Headquarters 154 

XVIII In the Trenches 164 

XIX In the Enemy's Lines . . . . . 175 

XX An Exciting Night 184 


TABLE OF CONTENTS 

CHAPTEB PAGE 

XXI The Invaders Attack 195 

XXII The Charge ^ 206 

XXIII Jacques’ Scheme 217 

XXIV A Successful Ruse 228 

XXV Conclusion . 239 


ILLUSTRATIONS 


You are an American, I hear, ” said the general, ad- 
dressing Leon in excellent English . Frontispiece 


FACING 

PAGB 


Both men were holding their hands above their heads 

in token of their surrender 58 


Leon could plainly see that they were the target for 
hundreds of guns on the battleline below . . 134 

‘‘They^re on the run,” shouted Leon . . . .185 




WITH JOFFRE ON THE 
BATTLE LINE 


CHAPTER I 




A STABT FOR THE FRONT 

"Y arm and shoulder feel just as fit as 
they ever did. ^ ’ 

‘You are a very lucky young man. 
If that bullet had gone only a little farther to the 
right you would not he dancing around in this 
fashion. ’ ^ 

Leon Platt was talking to a Eed Cross nurse. 
He was a young American, only seventeen years 
of age. Traveling in Belgium at the outbreak of 
the great war in 1914, he had been caught between 
the battle lines. On his way from Liege to Brus- 
sels he had chanced to meet a young French avia- 
tor, Jacques Dineau, by name. These two boys 
had formed a warm friendship earlier in the sum- 
mer and it was a great surprise to both when, they 
met again so unexpectedly in Belgium. 

The young American had already had some 
thoughts of enlisting in the army of France. His 
11 


12 WITH JOFFEE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


ancestors had been French, so he was naturally 
drawn to that country rather than to any other. 
Jacques exerted all his influence to persuade his 
friend to join the French army and Leon needed 
but little persuading. He readily consented to 
the pleadings of the young French airman and 
soon found himself enrolled as a member of the 
Army of the Kepublic. 

Leon had been assigned to duty as an air scout 
in conjunction with his friend Jacques. The 
young Frenchman drove the aeroplane while Leon 
acted as scout. Many thrilling experiences they 
passed tlirough together, and much valuable in- 
formation had they acquired for their troops. 

They had watched the great army of' the Kaiser 
roll on through Belgium in its mad drive for 
Paris. Oftentimes they had come in closer con- 
tact with this army than they desired. Slowly 
they had retreated with the allied forces, as yet 
unprepared to withstand the rush of the Ger- 
mans; they had fallen back stubbornly, however, 
fighting every inch of the way. 

Finally had come the great battle at Charleroi, 
and Mons. Leon and Jacques had been in the 
trenches there and had their first experience on 
the battle line. Needless to say, they acquitted 
themselves with honor, and in a daring rescue of 
a French flag Leon had been wounded in the shoul- 
der. He had been taken to a hospital in Mons 


A STAET FOR THE FRONT 


13 


and cared for there. There it was that the con- 
versation recorded at the beginning of this story 
took place. 

‘‘Yes,’’ exclaimed Leon, “it is as good as new.” 

“What are you going to do now!” inquired the 
nurse. 

‘ ‘ Such a question to ask ! I’m going to join my 
regiment, of course.” 

‘ ‘ Do you know where it is ? ” 

“No, I don’t.” 

“Do you know that the whole allied army has 
been driven back almost to the gates of Paris?” 

“No, I didn’t know that,” replied Leon. 

“Well, it’s so, just the same,” said the nurse. 
“Between you and your regiment are thousands 
and thousands of German soldiers. I don’t see 
how you expect to make your way through them. 
There isn’t one chance in a hundred that you will 
succeed.” 

“How do you know all these things?” demanded 
Leon. 

“I’m telling you the reports we have received. ’ ’ 

“Just the same, I’m going to make a try for 
it.” 

“Do you suppose you can even get out of this 
city?” 

“Why not?” 

“The Germans are in control here and do you 
think they are going to allow any man to leave 


14 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


who wants to help the very people they are fight- 
ing?’^ 

‘‘You mean there are German soldiers here in 
this town?” 

“ I believe so. Not many of them, I hear, but 
still there are no French or English troops at all.” 

“It’ll be hard work, all right,” said Leon 
thoughtfully. “Still I think it can done and 
you may he sure I shall make an attempt.” 

“Good luck to you,” said the nurse. “You’ll 
need good luck, too. When do you start?” 

“What time is it now?” 

“Half past four,” replied the nurse, consult- 
ing her watch. 

“I am discharged from the hospital, am I not?” 
asked Leon. 

“Absolutely.” 

“All right, then; I shall start as soon as it is 
dark.” 

“Very well. What few possessions you have 
are in the office. Before you leave come there and 
you may have them, and I will also try to secure 
a little food for you.” 

“Thank you very much,” said Leon warmly. 
“I’ll be there in about half an hour.” 

The nurse left him to go on with her work of 
caring for the wounded. The hospital was 
crammed to its capacity with the wounded of all 
sides. Germans lay in cots alongside French- 


A START FOR THE FRONT 


15 


men; Irisli, English, and Belgians were also in 
evidence, Scotchmen were among the sufferers, 
while now and then a black Turco appeared, 
stricken in one way or anotlier. 

The hospital was a busy place, and a sad place, 
as well. Here the results of the great game of 
war were much in evidence. Most of the wounded 
were young men in the prime of life and health, 
and many would leave the place mutilated for life. 
Here a man had lost a leg; there a man had had 
an arm shot away. Sometimes it was found 
necessary to amputate a limb to save the life of 
a sufferer. Sometimes nothing would avail and 
the occupant of a cot would be carried out, never 
to return. 

His place was immediately filled, however, and 
soon the other men became hardened to these fre- 
quent scenes and paid but scant attention to them. 
Leon had noticed one thing, however. No mat- 
ter how badly a man was wounded or how much 
he suffered, he always wanted to get out and fight 
again. Every man looked forward eagerly to the 
day when once more he could rejoin his colors. 

Leon himself was no exception to this rule, and 
as he was only human, he was naturally impa- 
tient to be in action again. He sat on the step 
outside the hospital and pondered over in his 
mind the best method of accomplishing his pur- 
pose. 


16 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


So wrapped up in his thoughts was he that he 
failed to notice a man approaching on crutches. 

‘‘What are yez thinkin’ about, me hjeV^ 

Leon looked up startled by the unexpected 
question. 

“Hello, Pat,’^ he said. “I didnT see you com- 
ing.’' 

“Yez should be able to hear me thin. These 
wooden legs Oi hov are not viry quiet. Oi niwer 
saw any one so dape in thought as youse, Oi must 
say. ' ' 

‘ ‘ I was thinking of some way to get hack to my 
regiment," said Leon. “I have been discharged 
from the hospital and I leave to-night." 

Pat was an Irishman with whom Leon had be- 
come acquainted soon after he had joined the 
allied army. They had both been wounded at the 
same time and had occupied adjoining cots in 
the hospital. As the big Irishman heard Leon 
speak, his eyes flashed. 

“If Oi could only be wid ye," he exclaimed, 
eagerly. “Wait a few days and take me along." 

“I wish you could go with me," said Leon, “but 
I can't wait. I can't stay here very well and I 
am anxious to be back." 

“Oi don't blame yeT Oi'll be sthartin' meself 
purty soon." 

“Do you think I can make it?" inquired Leon. 

“Why can't yez?" demanded Pat. “It'll not 


A START FOR THE FRONT 17 

be an aisy job, but Oi know Oi could do it, so why 
can’t youse do it, too?” 

‘‘I can do it, of course,” exclaimed Leon, 
springing to his feet ‘‘It’s just as you say, Pat, 
it’ll be hard but it can be done all right. Noth- 
ing is impossible if you only have the right spirit, 
and that’s what you’ve given me.” 

“Do you know where your rigiment is?” 

“No^ but I’ll find it somewhere.” 

“Thot’s the way t’ talk!” cried Pat, trying to 
slap Leon on the back, and almost losing his bal- 
ance as a consequence. 

“I’m going to get ready now,” said Leon. 
“Good-by, Pat.” 

“Good-by, and good luck,” said Pat heartily. 
“Take care o’ yerself an’ Oi hope t’ see yez soon 
agin.” 

“I certainly hope so, too,” exclaimed Leon, as 
he disappeared inside the hospital. 

He made his way to the office and there found 
the nurse waiting for him, as she had promised. 
She had his blanket and automatic revolver — all 
the things that had been rescued for him. In ad- 
dition, she had an extra pair of socks, a very im- 
portant item of clothing. When a man walks 
many miles a day his feet must be taken care of 
if he is to stand up under the strain. 

This was all the clothing he possessed, aside 
from his uniform, which he wore. He had but 


18 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


little money and his undertaking seemed almost 
a hopeless one at the start. His friend, the nurse, 
had provided him with a parcel containing food, 
however, and consequently he was assured of at 
least one or two meals. 

Night had now fallen. Leon expressed his 
thanks to his benefactor and prepared to leave. 
He swung his blanket over his shoulder. Rolled 
inside were his extra socks and his food. His 
revolver he placed in his hip pocket, and he was 
ready to set out. 

He extended his hand to the nurse, thanked her 
once more, and turned to go. 

‘‘Good luck,’’ she said in a low voice as Leon 
stepped out of the door and vanished into the 
night. 


CHAPTER II 


A CLOSE CALL 

I T was with mingled feelings that the young 
American departed on his perilous journey. 
He was aware more fully every minute what 
a difficult task he had undertaken, and as he made 
his way down the dark and deserted street the 
realization of the situation he was in came to him 
with full force. 

He thought of his home in America and won- 
dered what his family were doing now. When 
he had enlisted they had not known of his action. 
He wrote them, of course, but so far he had re- 
ceived no reply. Neither had he heard from his 
twin brother, Earl. The two boys had gone 
abroad together in the early part of the summer, 
but had separated. Earl had remained in Eng- 
land to visit friends, while Leon had crossed to 
France to stay for a time with an aunt and uncle 
in Paris. 

Leon had had no news of Earl since the war 
broke out and he wondered what he now was doing 
or thinking. The two boys were exceedingly fond 
of each other and Leon naturally was worried 
about his brother. As he thought of all these 

19 


20 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


things a wave of homesickness swept over him, 
and for a moment he longed for home. 

This feeling passed as quickly as it came, how- 
ever, and the young soldier chided himself for 
having yielded to the impulse. Once more he 
was a soldier of France, enthusiastic and eager to 
join his regiment on the battle front. Immedi- 
ately he became alert and sensitive to his sur- 
roundings. 

Keeping as close as possible to the buildings he 
made his way toward the south and the open 
country. Few lights appeared in the houses and 
thus far he had seen no one on the streets. He 
was wide awake to every possibility, however, and 
was careful that no one should take him by sur- 
prise. Every few seconds he felt for his auto- 
matic revolver and the bulge in his hip pocket 
made him more comfortable every time he assured 
himself of its presence. 

There was no moon and practically no lights in 
the town. Everything was covered with the blan- 
ket of darkness so that it would have been a hard 
task to see any one approaching unless he was 
very close by. 

Suddenly Leon stopped. 

He thought he heard footsteps down the street, 
and instinctively he drew back into the shadow of 
an alley. He listened carefully and was now posi- 
tive that he had been correct. Whether it was a 


A CLOSE CALL 


21 


friend or foe he could not tell but it was prob- 
ably a foe. No Frenchman would be out at night 
in a town which the Germans had taken. 

Closer and closer came the foot beats, while in 
the alley Leon tried to flatten himself against the 
brick wall of a building. A second more and the 
man would come into view. 

Leon peered intently into the night, and as he 
looked a German helmet became outlined to his 
view against the sky. A gun to which was affixed 
a long bayonet was over the German ^s shoulder 
and the tramp of his heavy shoes echoed through 
the empty street. 

Directly in front of Leon the man stopped. 
Besting his rifle on the ground he stood still and 
looked all about him in a careless fashion, appar- 
ently sure that he had nothing to fear. 

Leon watched him as if spellbound. He had no 
desire for an encounter just now, before he had 
put much more than a mile between himself and 
the hospital. He scarcely dared to breathe, so 
fearful was he that he would be discovered. 

He pressed closer to the wall in an effort to 
obliterate himself from sight. As he did so he 
dislodged a piece of loose mortar which fell to the 
ground with a rattle. 

Immediately the German wheeled like a flash 
in the direction of the sound, and held his gun 
ready for instant use. 


22 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


A challenge in the German language broke the 
silence of the night. 

Leon made no reply, except stealthily to draw 
his revolver and shrink farther into the shadow. 
He hoped the German would pass on, but such was 
not to be the case. 

The challenge was repeated and the German 
began to walk slowly in Leonas direction. He was 
evidently curious and determined to discover the 
cause of the fallen mortar. Even in the tight 
place in which the young American found him- 
self he could not help thinking how brave and yet 
how foolhardy his enemy was. 

Seeing that there was no chance of the German 
going away without investigating, Leon did the 
only thing he could do under the circumstances. 

Pointing his revolver at the dark figure of the 
approaching German, he fired. 

The report rang out in the still night air, and 
without waiting to discover the effect of his bullet 
Leon turned and ran. He desired to be out of 
trouble of any sort just now, especially any that 
might interfere with his journey southward. 

At top speed he ran down the street, rushing 
blindly ahead with little thought of whither he 
was bound. 

Scarcely had he gone thirty yards when a rifle 
shot rang out behind him and a bullet sang past 
his ears. Evidently his revolver shot had not 


A CLOSE CALL 


23 


done its work. He heard a shout of anger and 
another bullet also whizzed over his head. 

He did not slacken his pace, however, but in- 
creasing his speed he kept on his way. He knew 
the German stood small chance of hitting him 
now, and he smiled at the thought of his being 
able to catch him. Unless he ran into more dan- 
ger ahead, Leon decided that he was almost out 
of trouble, at least for the present. 

Hardly had this thought passed through his 
mind when a figure sprang from behind a near-by 
tree and tried to seize him as he sped along. This 
time it was Leon’s turn to be taken by surprise. 
He was running swiftly, however, and he was not 
a light weight by any means. His assailant was 
thrown aside by the shock of the contact and 
failed to hold his grip on the fleeing young Ameri- 
can. 

Leon wheeled and fired three shots from his 
automatic at the man who was trying to oppose 
his progress. Then he turned and once more sped 
on down the street. 

This second man fired no shots at Leon, how- 
ever. Whether it was because he had no gun or 
because his own shots had taken effect, Leon did 
not stop to consider. He was in a bad predica- 
ment which was evidently getting worse. There 
was no telling how many more Germans he might 
meet before he got out of town and he decided 


24 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


that the open street was not a desirable place for 
him to be in. Slackening his pace gradually, he 
suddenly darted to one side and made his way 
toward the rear of a neighboring house. That he 
evidently was approaching the outskirts of the 
town was apparent from the fact that the houses 
here were somewhat scattered and were farther 
apart. 

He crouched low and remained within the 
shadows as much as he was able. The house evi- 
dently was deserted for no lights appeared in the 
windows. Leon, however, was not planning to 
take many chances. He came to the rear of the 
house and there discovered several outbuildings 
ahead of him, among which he recognized a barn 
and toolhouse. The place was evidently a farm. 

Leon decided that his best plan would be to 
hide for an hour or so in the shelter of the bam. 
By that time he believed he would be free from 
pursuit at the hands of his former assailants. 
He would eat some of his scanty store of food 
and then strike out across the country. He re- 
alized that his traveling would have to be done 
mostly at night when the risk of detection would 
not be as great as in the daytime. 

With this purpose in mind he started to run 
across the open space of ground between the house 
and the barn. Once behind the barn he felt he 
would be comparatively safe. 


A CLOSE CALL 


25 


At top speed lie made his way across the open 
space. A moment later he reached the bam and 
continued on to its rear. Beaching the corner of 
the building he dodged quickly around, only to 
mn headforemost into a man approaching from 
the opposite direction. 


CHAPTER m 


AN UNEXPECTED MEETING 

T he shock of the collision was enough to 
send the man sprawling. Leon was abso- 
lutely taken by surprise, Mt he had pres- 
ence of mind enough to draw his revolver and 
cover the prostrate figure on the ground at his 
feet. 

‘ ‘ Surrender 1 ’ ’ cried Leon, out of breath and 
forgetting that his adversary probably under- 
stood no English. 

The man on the ground had uttered a smothered 
exclamation of surprise when they collided, but 
otherwise had made no sound. 

‘‘Get up! Throw up your hands ordered 
Leon in a sharp tone. 

The man did not move. 

“Get up or 1^11 blow you up,’’ Leon exclaimed, 
still unmindful that the man undoubtedly did not 
understand a word he was saying. 

Leon advanced to the place where the man was 
lying and gave him a sharp kick squarely in the 
ribs. 

“I’ll give you one last chance!” he exclaimed. 
26 


AN UNEXPECTED MEETING 27 

‘‘Get on your feet and surrender, or I’ll not wait 
for you any longer.” 

“Please don’t do that, Leon. I will get up.” 

So great was Leon’s surprise at hearing him- 
self addressed in this fashion, that he almost 
dropped his revolver. 

“Who are you?” he demanded, thunderstruck. 

“Don’t you know.mel” exclaimed the man still 
lying quietly on the ground. “I think you should 
apologize after the way you knocked me down.” 

A suspicion of who this man was began to dawn 
on Leon. And yet he thought his surmise could 
not possibly be correct. At the same time the 
voice sounded strangely familiar. 

“Don’t you know me yet?” inquired the man, 
slowly rising to his feet. 

‘ ‘ J acques ! ’ ’ cried Leon suddenly. 

“It is I,” replied Jacques, for it was he beyond 
any doubt. 

“What are you doing here?” exclaimed Leon 
delightedly. 

“What are you doing here, I should like to 
know?” said Jacques. “You ought to be in the 
hospital and yet here you are running over the 
country, knocking your best friends down and 
threatening to blow their heads olf.’’ 

The two boys almost hugged each other, they 
were so happy to be together again. For the last 
few weeks they had passed through numberless 


28 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


dangers together and they had come to feel as if 
they were almost necessary to each other, 
Jacques Dineau, the young French airman, had 
gained a very warm spot in the heart of the 
young American who had shared his fortunes so 
closely. 

All through the first Belgian campaign they 
were together constantly and when Leon had been 
wounded, one of his chief causes of annoyance was 
that he had become separated from his comrade. 
And here he was again, suddenly appearing al- 
most as if he had sprung out of the earth. 

Where is our regiment!^’ demanded Leon. 

‘‘I cannot tell you, though I wish I could. 

‘‘Why aren’t you with it!” 

“It’s a long story, Leon. After the battle of 
Mons I became separated from the rest of our 
troops. I was nearly captured many times and it 
was only by the best of luck that I escaped. For 
days I hid in bams and vacant houses, eating 
whatever I could lay my hands on. Then the 
Germans went south and I dared to venture forth 
once again. I had known that you were taken to 
the hospital in Mons when you were wounded, so 
I was on my way there to obtain news of you if 
possible. If you had blown my head off I should 
never have seen you again, do you know that ? ’ ’ 

“Thank heaven, I didn’t!” exclaimed Leon 
earnestly. 


AN UNEXPECTED MEETING 29 

‘‘What were those shots I heard a few moments 
agoV^ 

“They were fired at me,’^ said Leon, and he 
quickly related his recent experiences to Jacques. 

‘ ‘ If the Germans are after you we must be more 
careful,’’ said the young Frenchman, lowering his 
voice. 

The two boys cautiously withdrew to a position 
behind a huge haystack and there related to each 
other what had happened to them since last they 
had been together. Leon produced his package 
of food and the two boys partook sparingly of it. 

“Where are you bound?” asked Jacques at 
length. 

“To rejoin our regiment, of course. What do 
you intend to do?” 

‘ ‘ The very same thing. I intended to find you, 
if possible, and then start out with you to locate 
our troops.” 

“Have you any idea where they are?” inquired 
Leon. 

“Not the slightest. From what little I hear, 
however, they have been driven far to the south- 
ward. An old peasant woman told me yesterday 
that the Germans expected to take Paris very 
soon. They all said so when she saw them. She 
said they were marching fast, sometimes thirty 
miles a day, and that the allied armies were flee- 
ing before them. It certainly looks bad for us.” 


30 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


‘‘They’ll never take Paris,” exclaimed Leon. 

“I hope not,” said Jacques sadly. “They did 
it in 1870 though, you must remember. That was 
the terrible year, Vannee terrible as we say in my 
language.” 

“I know,” protested Leon, “but because they 
did it then doesn’t mean that they can do it now. 
Germany was all prepared for this war while the 
other nations weren’t. They have a start on us 
and it is only natural that they should win at 
first. Wait until we can bring an equal number 
of men up to oppose them, then you’ll hear a dif- 
ferent story. Take my word for it, the Germans 
will never capture Paris on this trip.” 

“I hope you are right. I myself have such a 
feeling deep down inside of me too, but not as 
strong as yours.” 

“If we were only with our men,” sighed Leon. 

“Let’s start now,” exclaimed Jacques, spring- 
ing to his feet. “We must make good time to- 
night for we may not be able to travel very far 
in the daytime.” 

“That’s right,” agreed Leon, slowly rising as 
he spoke. 

“Does your shoulder pain you?” inquired 
Jacques. 

“Not a bit. Why do you ask?” 

“I thought you favored it slightly as you got 
up.” 


AN UNEXPECTED MEETING 


31 


‘^No/’ said Leon, is as good as ever.’’ 

‘‘I’m very glad of that. Before we reach our 
regiment again we shall probably need all the 
strength and endurance we have. It is not going 
to be an easy task.” 

“I guess not, but we’ll get there all right.” 

The two boys were making their way across the 
field keeping a sharp lookout in all directions for 
possible surprises. As they had said, there was 
a hard task ahead of them. Just how hard it 
would be neither one realized for a moment. It 
would be impossible for any one to foresee the 
risks, dangers and hardships that must be under- 
gone before they should gain their goal. That is, 
if they ever should gain it. 

“Do you suppose we shall have to walk all the 
way?” said Leon, after they had marched along 
in silence for some time. 

“We may be able to get a ride.” 

“On the railroad?” 

“I doubt that. You see, all the railroads be- 
tween here and the front of the German advance 
must be in their hands. Railroads are the first 
things an army seizes when it invades another 
country. ’ ’ 

“Of course,” agreed Leon, “and I suppose 
they are bringing up troop-trains loaded with 
fresh soldiers all the time.” 

“They certainly are,” said Jacques. “I saw 


32 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


at least ten trains filled with troops pass to the 
south only yesterday.’’ 

‘‘Where were you?” 

“In the attic of a deserted house, alongside the 
railroad track.” 

“What were you doing there?” exclaimed Leon 
in surprise. 

“Spending the day,” laughed Jacques. “I 
have had to spend every day fqr a long time now 
in some such place, just as you and I will prob- 
ably be forced to do, too.” 

“How do you think we can get food?” 

“I have been thinking of that. I believe that 
the best thing for us to do is to keep as far as 
possible from the main roads. Back in the coun- 
try districts we shall be less liable to capture or 
to any trouble of that kind. At the same time 
we shall stand more chance of obtaining food. I 
am sure the peasants will look out for us.” 

“Do you think there are any peasants left?” 

“Why not?” said Jacques. 

“I thought they might all be with the army.” 

“Well, the young men probably are, but the 
women wiU still be in their homes. The harvests 
are ripe now and there should be plenty of food. ’ ’ 

“Unless the Germans have seized it all.” 

“That may have happened, too,” Jacques as- 
sented. “Let us hope not, however. The main 
body of the army will stick close to the railroads, 


AN UNEXPECTED MEETING 33 

and if we get away from them we probably shan’t 
rnn into any German troops at all.” 

‘‘How about the Uhlans?” said Leon. “They 
are everywhere it seems to me. They will have 
raiding parties all over the country.” 

“I’m not so sure of that,” said Jacques. “The 
cavalry usually goes in advance of the army, you 
know, and we are in the rear.” 

“That’s true, I never thought of that. I guess 
you know more about soldiering than I do, 
Jacques.” 

“I have had more experience,” said the young 
Frenchman simply. “When you have served as 
long as I have you will know more than I do. ” 

“I know one thing right now,” exclaimed Leon, 
“and that is, I’m tired.” 

“We may secure a ride in some peasant’s cart,” 
said Jacques. “At any rate it is nearly dawn 
and we should rest soon. ’ ’ 

In the east a faint streak of light appeared. 
The day was evidently approaching. In front of 
them the two boys heard the crowing of a rooster 
welcoming the rising sun. 

“Did you hear that?” exclaimed Jacques. 
“We are evidently approaching a house of some 
kind. Perhaps there is a barn in which we may 
hide for the day.” 

Sure enough, the two young soldiers came 
within sight of a few buildings as they reached 


34 WITH JOFFEE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


the top of a hill. A small farm lay spread out at 
their feet and there they decided to spend the day. 

Eeconnoitering the land, they cautiously ap- 
proached the barn with the intention of hiding 
away in the haymow, at least until they should 
hnd out if the farm was inhabited by friend or 
foe. 

As they drew near they saw no one and heard 
no sound. A moment later they came to the bam 
and entered. 


CHAPTEK IV 


M' 


A NEW ALLY 

“ON DIEU!^’ 

This startling exclamation greeted 
the two boys as they stepped inside 
the supposedly empty building. Instinctively 
they drew back quickly and placed their hands 
upon the butts of their revolvers. In the dim 
light of the early morning it was impossible to 
see who it was that had cried out at their entry, 
but both recognized the exclamation as French. 
It also seemed to be in a woman’s voice. 

There was a great scurrying and rushing about 
in the barn. Some one seemed greatly excited 
and boxes and barrels were overturned as the ex- 
citable inmate ran about the place. 

‘‘Who is there r’ called Jacques in his own 
language. 

“Mon Dieu! Mon Dieu!” 

There was no other reply. It was evidently a 
woman’s voice and she seemed badly frightened. 

“Come along,” said Jacques, turning to his 
comrade. “It is only a poor peasant woman 
whom we have frightened half out of her wits. ’ ’ 

35 


36 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


not be afraid. We are French and friends 
of yours,’’ Jacques called out again, as he spoke 
to the woman. 

Leon could not understand what his friend was 
saying, hut he supposed it was all right, and he 
followed closely behind him as he made his way 
into the barn. 

At first no one was to be seen. The boys 
searched in every nook and corner of the building, 
under carriages and in the stalls, only to be dis- 
appointed. Jacques frequently called out in a 
loud voice that they were French and would do 
the woman no harm, but she refused to respond. 

‘‘Here she is,” exclaimed Leon at length. 
“Come and talk to her, Jacques.” 

Leon had lifted the cover of a large feed box 
and inside discovered the object of their search. 
A middle-aged French woman was crouching in 
one corner shaking with fear. At the sight of 
Leon her teeth began to chatter with fright and 
she also began to talk as fast as she was able. 
Naturally what she said was lost on the young 
American, for he knew but little French, and was 
not able to understand a real Frenchman when 
once he got started. It seemed almost incredible 
to him that people could talk as fast as they did. 

Jacques approached at Leon’s call and did his 
best to reassure the frightened woman. He so 
far succeeded that in a few moments she came 


A NEW ALLY 37 

forth from her hiding place, although as yet she 
did not entirely trust her two visitors. 

‘‘She thought we were Germans,’’ explained 
J acques. 

“I should imagine that was the trouble,” 
laughed Leon. ‘‘I never saw any one so fright- 
ened in all my life. ’ ’ 

‘‘Maybe she’s had some experience with them.” 

The woman stood watching the two young sol- 
diers from a short distance. She was still shak- 
ing from her nervousness and the effects of the 
fright she had received, but evidently she was 
becoming more convinced every moment that she 
was with friends. 

She spoke to Jacques and for a short time they 
carried on a conversation, very little of which 
Leon could comprehend. Every now and then 
he caught a word or phrase, and the one that 
pleased him most of all was what he thought to 
be the word meaning “eat.” 

That he was correct in his surmise was soon 
manifest. 

“She has invited us to have some breakfast,” 
Jacques announced at last, turning to his friend. 

“That’s fine,” exclaimed Leon heartily. “You 
said we would accept, all right, didn’t you?” 

“Yes, and we’d better go into the house now.” 

‘ ‘ All that ’s necessary is for you to show me the 
way, ’ ’ said Leon. 


38 WITH JOFFKE ON THE BATTLE LINE 

In a very short time the two young soldiers 
were seated in a cozy little kitchen, while the odor 
of frying bacon and hot coffee filled their nos- 
trils. 

Jacques kept up a steady conversation with 
their hostess. 

She seemed to he the only inmate of the house, 
and this turned out to be the case. Her husband 
and two sons were all at the front. She was left 
behind to manage her little farm and live as best 
she was able. Just now her crop of hay was in 
the fields ready to be brought in. Water would 
spoil it and even now the sky threatened rain. 
She had only one horse left to her ; an animal too 
old to be of use to either army. 

Jacques communicated all this information to 
his comrade, who at once suggested a plan. 

‘‘Let^s help her get her hay in,’’ he cried en- 
thusiastically. 

‘‘Ought we to spend our time that way?” pro- 
tested Jacques, doubtfully. “I’d like to do it, but 
I feel that perhaps we ought to hurry on as 
quickly as possible.” 

“It won’t take long. Let’s do it.” 

“Very well, if you say so.” 

When Jacques communicated this news to their 
hostess she was almost overcome. Such unex- 
pected aid seemed far too good to be true. She 
soon perceived, however, that the two boys were 


A NEW ALLY 39 

serious in their offer, and from that moment she 
could hardly do enough for them. 

‘^This is something likeT’ exclaimed Leon 
heartily, when a few moments later they were 
busily partaking of a piping hot breakfast. 

‘‘It surely is,” agreed Jacques, “but I must 
say I feel tired.” 

“That^s right, we have been up all night, 
haven ^t we?” laughed Leon. 

“Didn’t you know that?” 

“I had almost forgotten it. I was so happy to 
be on my way again that I had forgotten almost 
everything else, especially when I saw all this 
food.” 

“Well, I am nearly played out,” said Jacques. 
“I don’t know how long I shall be able to keep 
awake out there in the fields.” 

“Long enough, I guess,” said Leon. “There 
isn’t very much hay and all we’ll have to do is to 
bring it into the barn. That Won’t take very 
long.” 

“Come on, then,” exclaimed Jacques, rising 
from the table as he spoke. 

Leon reluctantly followed him, regretfully leav- 
ing the food that remained uneaten. 

A short time later, armed with pitchforks, they 
were hard at work. The peasant woman man- 
aged the horse and wagon, while the two boys 
made the load. As Leon had predicted not much 


40 WITH JOFFEE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


time was consumed and when two hours had 
passed the task was completed. For one lone 
woman, however, the labor would have proved a 
most difficult undertaking, and her gratitude was 
correspondingly sincere. 

Can’t we sleep here to-day!” asked Leon of 
his comrade as they walked back to the house 
after their work. 

guess so. I’ll ask our hostess.” 

This he proceeded to do and she not only agreed 
to the suggestion, but practically insisted upon 
the further acceptance of her hospitality by her 
guests. She led the way to a small room on the 
second floor where a huge feather bed offered a 
hearty welcome to the two tired young soldiers. 
They lost no time preparing for the welcome rest. 

‘‘Did you tell her to call us at dark!” asked 
Leon. 

“I did. She also promised to keep a lookout 
for any wandering bands of Germans. I think 
we don’t need to worry.” 

“She’U do her best for us, that’s sure. Has 
she seen any German troops lately!” 

“Two days ago a squad of Uhlans stopped 
here.” 

“Did they take anything!” 

“There was nothing to take except two hams 
and a barrel of flour which she had hidden safely 
away in the barn.” 


A NEW ALLY 


41 


Pretty lucky, I should say,’’ exclaimed Leon. 
‘‘Good night.” 

“Good morning you mean, don’t you!” 

“I guess maybe I do. Anyway, I’m going to 
sleep.” 

It seemed to the two hoys that they had been 
asleep only a few moments when a loud knock- 
ing at the door aroused them. Leon was the first 
to awake and after a great deal of shaking he 
managed to make Jacques, too, open his eyes. 

“Who is it!” called Jacques in French. 

The peasant woman answered that it was fast 
growing dark and that they should once more be 
on their way. 

The boys were soon downstairs, ready to start. 
Their hostess had prepared dinner for them, 
among the articles of food being generous slices 
of the precious ham, and bread made from the 
rescued flour. 

Jacques protested against this lavishness, but 
to no avail. Nothing was too good for a soldier 
of France, the grateful woman maintained, and 
she purposed to give them the best she had. 
After dinner she engaged Jacques in a long and 
earnest conversation. Leon, completely mysti- 
fied, listened in a vain etfort to catch the meaning 
of it all. 

Jacques was protesting vigorously, but the 
woman only became more insistent in what she 


42 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


was saying. When she brought a woman’s sun- 
bonnet and dress and handed them to his friend, 
Leon gave up trying to solve the riddle. 

At length Jacques seemed to agree to what the 
woman had said, and she hurried smiling out of 
the house. 

“She has given us her horse and cart,” said 
Jacques, turning to his comrade. “I am going to 
dress up as a woman and drive it.” 

“We won’t take it,” exclaimed Leon warmly. 

‘ ^ Oh, yes, we will. At first I thought we would 
refuse it, too, but I’ve changed my mind. She 
would be heartbroken if we didn’t do as she wants 
us to.” 

“How are we going to manage it?” 

“You’ll know all about it in a very short time.” 


CHAPTEE V 


A STKANGE CONVEYANCE 

F irst of all Jacques dressed Hmself in the 
garments the peasant woman had given 
him. Covering his other clothes he put 
on the dress and when he had donned the sun- 
bonnet, he made a very good looking girl. His 
cheeks were rosy, and his figure slight. Unless 
scrutinized too closely he might easily pass as a 
young country girl. 

‘‘You’re all right,” laughed Leon. “You want 
to keep your feet out of sight though, for I hope 
no one would ever accuse a French girl of having 
feet the size of yours.” 

“Do you think I will pass in other respects?” 
“You certainly will. You’re a fine looking 
girl. ’ ’ 

“Come then, and we will start on our journey 
at o'nce.” 

In the barn they found their hostess waiting 
for them. She had hitched the horse to a wagon 
loaded with hay and everything appeared to be in 
readiness for their departure. 

“How can I go along in this way?” exclaimed 

43 


44 WITH JOFFEE ON THE BATTLE LINE 

Leon. can’t pass as a Frenchman. I don’t 
look like one and I don’t know but a very few 
words of the language.” 

‘‘That is all arranged for,” Jacques assured 
him. 

“How?” 

“I’ll show you at once.” 

He spoke rapidly to the peasant woman who 
smiled delightedly at his words. Turning to 
Leon she beckoned him to approach and then she 
showed him a remarkable thing. 

Mounting the wagon she dug busily in the cen- 
ter of the hay for a few moments. The two boys 
watched her excitedly, and though Jacques evi- 
dently knew the secret he was as interested as his 
friend. 

Under the hay appeared a wire cage, in some 
respects similar to a huge rat trap. It was 
crudely made and what its use had been Leon had 
no idea. This cage formed a space in the middle 
of the hay-load, perhaps four feet square, the bot- 
tom of the contrivance resting on the wooden 
boards of the wagon. 

Here Leon evidently was expected to remain 
while they were on the road. All about him the 
hay would be piled so that he would be completely 
hidden from sight. 

“What do you think of that?” exclaimed 
Jacques. 


A STRANGE CONVEYANCE 


45 


‘^Why, it seems to be all right/’ said Leon 
somewhat dubiously. ^‘It doesn’t look very com- 
fortable and I wonder if I can breathe in there. ’ ’ 

‘‘You didn’t expect comfort, did you I At any 
rate it’s far easier than walking. As for breath- 
ing, there is no doubt about that ; the hay will be 
piled loosely about you and you will be perfectly 
all right.” 

“Did you think of this scheme?” 

“No; our hostess here was the inventor. She 
told me all about it in the house. She thinks it is 
fine because now we can travel day times as well 
as at night.” 

“Do you think so too?” 

“I don’t see why not, if I can pass myself off 
as a woman.” 

“I hope you can do that,” laughed Leon. “If 
you are caught it means trouble for me just as 
much as for you. Suppose some one should set 
fire to this load of hay while I am inside.” 

“At any rate you’d keep warm,” said Jacques 
consolingly. 

“I never expect to be as cold as that,” replied 
Leon earnestly. 

“Yes,” he continued, “this conveyance seems 
all right to me.” 

“Let’s start then.” 

They shook hands with the poor peasant woman 
who had befriended them. They were profuse in 


46 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


their thanks to her, and she in turn was just as 
grateful for the help the young soldiers had given 
her. She begged Jacques to be on the lookout for 
the men of her family, and this he promised to do. 
She gave them careful directions as to the route 
they should follow and now they were ready to 
start. 

Leon climbed upon the hay-load and prepared 
to conceal himself. In his little room were placed 
the blankets and the few possessions the young 
soldiers owned. The blankets helped to make 
him comfortable and to lessen the jolting of the 
wagon. 

‘‘Have we everything?’’ he asked of Jacques as 
he prepared to descend. 

“I think so. How about your revolver?” 

“It is in my pocket. Do you want me to keep 
yours?” 

“No, indeed, I much prefer it right where it is.” 

‘ ‘ Suppose you are caught with it. ’ ’ 

“I guess if I am caught, it won’t make much 
ditference whether or not I have a gun.” 

“That’s true enough, to be sure. All right 
then, here goes!” 

Leon scrambled down the pocket into the hay. 
There was a door on the top of the cage through 
which he descended. Then Jacques and the peas- 
ant woman piled the hay all about him so that the 


A STRANGE CONVEYANCE 47 

wagon appeared to be carrying nothing but its 
load of fodder. 

‘‘Can you breathe?’’ inquired Jacques in a low 
voice. 

“Perfectly. You didn’t put very much hay 
around me, did you?” 

“Only enough to hide you surely. This is a 
very small load anyway, you know.” 

“I’m fixed fine in here,” said Leon. “Can you 
hear me talk all right?” 

“Just as well as ever. Are you ready to 
start?” 

“Go ahead,” called Leon. 

In another moment the two young soldiers were 
once more on their way to join their regiment. 
The wagon bumped along over the rough barn- 
yard, but as soon as the boys reached the road 
the riding became much easier. 

Leon did not cease wondering at the marvelous 
roads all over France. Here they were almost at 
the northern border and the same broad white 
roads were to be found there as existed nearer 
Paris. 

He was very comfortable in his little compart- 
ment and happy too, except that he would have 
liked to see where they were going. 

“Is there any moon?” he asked of Jacques. 

“Almost full,” was the reply. 


48 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


‘H’d like to be out with you and see it. IFs 
pretty stuffy in here.’’ 

‘‘Why don’t you come out then?” exclaimed 
Jacques teasingly. “I am not stopping you, I’m 
sure. ’ ’ 

“Don’t he funny, Jacques. It is bad enough 
being in here, without your teasing me about it. 
How much hay is there on top of me anyway ? ’ ’ 

“Oh, about a foot and a half or two feet,” 
answered Jacques. 

“Then I could easily get out. If I just stood 
up I could lift the cage and all right up on my 
shoulders. ’ ’ 

“Don’t try it now, please,” exclaimed Jacques. 
“I guess you could do as you say, but I’ll take 
your word for it.” 

“Don’t tease me then,” threatened Leon, pre- 
tending to be angry. 

“All right, I won’t any more. We are coming 
to a town now, I think, so we’d better not talk 
for a while. ’ ’ 

They lapsed into silence. Jacques, dressed in 
girl’s clothing, made a strange picture as he drove 
into the little French town. Only a few people 
were on the one narrow street, and when they saw 
a girl driving the hay-load they paid scant atten- 
tion to her. Germans seemed to be the only ob- 
jects of interest in that part of the country, just 
then, and nothing else mattered. 


A STRANGE CONVEYANCE 


49 ^ 


Perhaps if Leon had suddenly jumped to his 
feet and appeared in the middle of the hay-load 
the sight would have created as much consterna- 
tion as the Germans. Leon, however, had no such 
thought, for he was sound asleep. Curled up in 
his little cage he slept on in spite of the rumble 
of the cart and the squeaking of its wheels. 

After passing through the village, Jacques had 
addressed several remarks to his friend, but re- 
ceiving no response he decided that he must be 
asleep and so he tried no more. The horse trav- 
eled slowly and more than once the young French- 
man dozed off and so caught a few winks of sleep 
himself. 

‘‘What time is itr^ 

Leon was at last awake, and stiff and cramped 
as well. 

“I donT know,” replied Jacques, “but it is get- 
ting light.” 

“Whew,” exclaimed Leon. “IVe been asleep 
a long time. Have you had any excitement?” 

“Not a bit, but I think I see some now,” said 
Jacques sharply. “DonT say another word un- 
less I tell you to.” 


CHAPTER VI 


AN ENCOUNTER WITH THE UHLANS 

F ar down the road ahead of them Jacques 
saw horses, ridden by men who were 
wearing German helmets. They were ap- 
proaching and there appeared to be about ten in 
the force. 

A band of raiding Uhlans, he said to himself, 
and soon he would know whether his disguise was 
effective or not. He was decidedly nervous about 
the test he was about to undergo, and he hoped 
that his voice would not betray him. 

However, if Jacques felt nervous, what could 
be said of the young American inside the load of 
hay? He had no idea of the nature of the ex- 
citement which his friend had said was coming; 
he could not see anything and the best he could 
do was to guess at what was in store for him and 
his young French comrade. Leon spent a few 
very uneasy moments. 

Presently he heard the clatter of hoofs, and 
then a loud command in German as the horses 
came to a stop alongside the wagon. He knew 
something critical was about to happen and he 
60 


AN ENCOUNTER WITH THE UHLANS 51 


felt for his revolver as he crouched in the dark- 
ness of his hiding place. 

Outside he could hear words in German and 
then occasionally Jacques would answer in 
French. If he could only see what was happen- 
ing! He was nervous and only his great confi- 
dence in his friend’s quick wit prevented him from 
springing to his feet and disclosing himself. 

He knew Jacques was possessed of cool judg- 
ment and good nerve, however, and he decided 
that the only thing for him to do was to trust to 
him. Hours seemed to pass as he awaited the 
result of the conference, but in reality only a few 
moments elapsed; 

At length to his great relief he heard a com- 
mand given and the Germans galloped off down 
the road. Still Leon did not dare to speak for he 
had no way of knowing whether aU the Uhlans 
had left or not. 

‘^They’ve gone,” exclaimed Jacques a moment 
later. 

‘‘All of them?” 

“Yes. There were ten of them in all.” 

“What did they want?” 

“How do I know? I don’t understand German 
and evidently they don’t understand French.” 

“What did they do?” insisted Leon. “I want 
to know what happened.” 

“They just stood and talked and looked at me. 


52 WITH JOFFEE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


I think they had some discussion as to whether 
they should let me go or not. Anyway, that ’s the 
way it seemed to me, and for a while I thought 
they were going to make me go along with them.’’ 

“You are sure they are all gone now!” 

“Positively, and it seems to me we ought to 
stop somewhere soon. We have been traveling 
all night, you know, and our horse ought to have 
a rest. We want something to eat, too.” 

“Is it light outside now!” asked Leon. 

“Light as day.” 

“Let’s stop then; I’m tired of living in here 
like a mole. I tell you it’s nervous work, too, 
when any Germans come along. When they were 
talking to you there a few minutes ago, I can tell 
you I was anxious. ’ ’ 

“I’ll see if I can discover a good place for us 
to stop,” said Jacques. 

“Aren’t there any woods near-by!” 

“Yes, there are some just ahead. Perhaps 
there is a peasant’s house in them somewhere and 
we can put up there for the day.” 

“What can we feed the horse!” exclaimed Leon 
suddenly. 

Jacques laughed heartily. 

“Are you fooling!” he asked. 

“Certainly not,” replied Leon hotly. “What 
are you laughing at!” 

“I hope you are not serious just the same. 


AN ENCOUNTER WITH THE UHLANS 53 


But if you are, I’d like to ask you one question. 
What is it we have on this wagon T’ 

^‘Hay, of course.” 

‘‘You are right. What do horses eat?” 

It was now Leon’s turn to laugh. 

“This darkness and close air must have affected 
my brain,” he said. “I never heard of anything 
so silly as my asking what the horse would eat. 
Did you ever have a brain storm like that?” 

“Oh, yes,” replied Jacques cheerfully. “Per- 
haps you are feeling the effects of your cramped 
position in there. I’ll get you out very soon.” 

“It can’t be any too soon for me,” exclaimed 
Leon heartily. 

As he spoke Jacques heard hoof beats behind 
him and turning around he spied two horsemen 
approaching. They were Germans and evidently 
part of the detachment that had stopped him a 
short time previously. 

“Quiet, Leon! Quiet!” he cautioned. “Here 
come two Uhlans.” 

Jacques, after the first quick glance he cast 
over his shoulder, paid no more attention to the 
approaching horsemen. He kept his eyes straight 
ahead and endeavored to compose himself as 
much as possible. At any rate he did not know 
whether or not it was on his account that the Ger- 
mans were returning and he determined that even 
though that should prove to be the case he would 


54 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


show no signs of uneasiness if he could prevent 
it. 

Louder and louder sounded the approaching 
hoof beats. The hearts of the two young soldiers 
also beat faster and faster, as they heard their 
enemies draw nearer and nearer. 

Both boys had a feeling that they were the ob- 
jects of the Uhlans^ return and they prepared 
themselves to meet whatever might happen. 
They were both determined to resist capture to 
the last and to go to any extremity to avoid this. 
Leon had his revolver grasped tightly in his right 
hand, while Jacques carefully removed his from 
his blouse and placed it in the hay beside him. 

The two Germans were almost upon them now 
and J acques steeled himself for the encounter. A 
moment later they were alongside the wagon and 
then in front of it. Perhaps they were going past 
after all, thought Jacques. 

This was not to be the case, however. Just as 
the young Frenchman had almost persuaded him- 
self that the danger was gone the Germans sud- 
denly drew rein and wheeled their horses. One 
on each side of the road they stood, effectually 
blocking any chance of passage. 

Jacques looked at them as unconcernedly as 
possible and tried his best to hide his feelings. 
The horsemen held up their hands and Jacques 
stopped the wagon. 


AN ENCOUNTER WITH THE UHLANS 55 


‘‘Where are you going!’^ asked one of the 
Uhlans in French. 

Evidently the first detachment that had stopped 
the boys had met with one of tbeir comrades who 
could speak French. He had been sent back to 
question the girl on the load of hay. 

“To my uncle’s, down the road,” replied 
Jacques somewhat taken back at being addressed 
in his own language. 

“To whom are you taking the hay!” continued 
the German. 

“To my uncle, of course.” 

“What can he use it for!” 

“Why, to feed his horses,” exclaimed Jacques 
in mock surprise. 

“That cannot be true,” said his questioner. 
“We have just been all along this road and you 
may be sure we left no horses behind us.” 

“It must have been very recently,” said 
Jacques, realizing that he was on dangerous 
ground and fighting for time to think of some 
way out of his peril. 

“A week ago,” said the man, looking narrowly 
at Jacques. 

“At any rate I must see him,” said the young 
Frenchman. “Will you let me pass. Monsieur!” 

“You come with us,” exclaimed the man gruffly, 
suddenly changing his manner. 

“But why!” 


m WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


‘^Because I tell you to. Come along, no fooling 
now.’’ 

^ ‘ But why do you want me ? ’ ’ protested Jacques. 
‘‘What possible service can I, a poor French peas- 
ant girl, do you?” 

“I said for you to come with us!” said the 
Uhlan sharply. “If you won’t come of your own 
accord, we ’ll make you. ’ ’ 

“I don’t see why I should,” continued Jacques 
quietly. 

“You’re coming just the same,” cried the Ger- 
man angrily, and he reached forward to grasp the 
bridle of the horse Jacques was driving. 

As he did so Jacques suddenly sprang to his 
feet, revolver in hand. 

“Quick, Leon! Quick!” he shouted. “I need 
help.” 


CHAPTER VII 


A SURPKISB 



EON was not slow to respond to the sum- 


mons. For some time he had been crouch- 


^ ^ ing in readiness for just such a call. 

Consequently the moment he heard his name 
spoken he acted. Grasping the wire cage which 
covered him, he lifted with all his strength and 
hurled it high into the air. Revolver in hand he 
scrambled out of his cubby-hole as fast as he pos- 
sibly could. 

As he did so he heard several pistol shots in 
quick succession. 

The Uhlans had been completely taken by sur- 
prise at the sudden change in the actions of the 
supposed French girl. Seeing her abruptly 
spring to her feet and call out in deep, mannish 
tones for some one they could not see was bad 
enough. And then suddenly to see the whole top 
of the hay-load fly into the air, however, was 
something that seemed completely to daze them. 
The cavalrymen sat on their horses as if they 
were too stunned to move. 

Jacques had relied upon this lack of quick action 
on their part and had fired several shots into the 


58 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


air in order further to increase the astonishment 
of the Germans. At the same time he called upon 
both of them to surrender. 

The light somewhat dazzled Leon’s eyes when 
he emerged from his hiding place, but the first 
objects he saw when he became somewhat accus- 
tomed to it were two huge Uhlans seated on two 
splendid horses. Both men were holding their 
hands high above their heads in token of their 
surrender. 

‘‘Take their weapons away from them, Leon,” 
ordered Jacques. 

“I certainly will,” exclaimed Leon delightedly. 

He quickly leaped down to the ground and ap- 
proached their prisoners. 

“Keep them covered, Jacques,” he warned. 

“Don’t worry about that. I feel sorry for the 
one that moves first.” 

It was but a moment’s work to disarm the two 
men, and when this task was completed, Jacques 
ordered the Uhlans to dismount. 

This they did and while Leon stood guard over 
them Jacques took olf his dress. He quickly tore 
it into strips and soon the two Germans, who still 
seemed to be somewhat dazed, were securely 
bound hand and foot and laid by the roadside. 

“Now we’d better leave,” exclaimed Jacques. 

“Yes, and quickly, too.” 

“Shall we take their horses?” 


A SURPRISE 


59 


‘‘Why not?’’ 

“What shall we do with ours?” 

“Leave him here. He can’t be of any possible 
use to us.” 

“Very well,” agreed Jacques, “but I want to 
do one thing for him. He brought us quite a long 
distance last night and should be rewarded.” 

He quickly cut the traces and let their faithful 
old horse out of the shafts. He took the bit out 
of the animal’s mouth and led him around to the 
rear of the wagon. The horse immediately began 
contentedly to munch the hay. There Jacques 
left him. 

“That’s the way, Jacques!” said Leon approv- 
ingly. “Now let’s get on our new mounts and 
leave this section as fast as we can go.” 

The boys, both of whom were expert horsemen, 
and had proved their ability not long before in 
Belgium,* were soon in the saddle. 

“Why not dress up in these men’s uniforms?” 
exclaimed Leon. 

“Yes, and be shot for a couple of spies,” 
grunted Jacques. “Not for me. I prefer per- 
sonally to take my chances in a French uniform. ’ ^ 

“You’re right, as usual,” agreed Leon. 
“Come on.” 

Setting spurs to their horses they sped off down 
the road. 


*See “The Air Scout.’ 


60 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


‘‘That was the easiest thing I ever saw,” said 
Leon a few moments later. “You certainly 
worked that trick in great style, Jacques.” 

“It was your sudden appearance that finished 
them, I think,” said Jacques. “You should have 
seen the look on their faces when the cage and 
the hay shot up into the air. They were stunned 
absolutely.” 

“It’s a good thing they were, for I couldn’t see 
a thing when the light first struck my eyes.” 

“I guess they thought there was a noiseless 
bomb or something like that inside the hay,” said 
J acques ; and both boys laughed delightedly at the 
recollection. 

“You’d jump too, if you suddenly saw the top 
fly off a hay-load, wouldn’t you!” demanded 
Leon. 

“I know I would,” laughed Jacques. 

“Well, then, I guess we ought not to blame 
those Uhlans. At the same time I’m glad there 
was no fight” 

“ So am I. I think we ’ll have plenty of fighting 
later and there is no use in looking for trouble 
before it can be seen.” 

“That’s right. By the way, when are we going 
to stop and have a little food?” added Leon. 

“I was thinking of that very thing,” said 
Jacques. “Let’s stop now.” 


A SUEPRISE 


61 


‘‘Where?’’ 

“Turn in here to the right. We ought to find 
a place near-by.” 

The two boys were riding through a long 
stretch of woods. A narrow path ran at right 
angles with the main road and this path the two 
young soldiers chose to follow. It wound in and 
out under the great trees in the forest and was 
evidently but little used. 

A mile or so the two boys rode into the woods, 
still following the pathway. 

“Isn’t this far enough?” demanded Leon. 

“I was hoping we’d find a stream of some 
kind,” s^d Jacques. “We could give our horses 
a drink then, and have one ourselves.” 

“All right,” agreed Leon, “that sounds like a 
good idea.” 

“You have the food with you, haven’t you?” 

“I have what the peasant woman gave us.” 

“That’s what I mean. Pretty soon we’ll have 
to be foraging for ourselves and I don’t think 
there is very much food to be had in this part of 
the country.” 

“Oh, we’ll manage somehow,” exclaimed Leon 
cheerfully. 

“You Americans always have lots of confidence, 
anyway,” said Jacques laughingly. 

“Well, it’s a good thing to have, isn’t it?” 


62 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


“It certainly is,^^ agreed Jacques. 

“There’s a brook ahead,” Leon exclaimed sud- 
denly. 

A moment later the two young horsemen came 
to the bank of a small brook which made its way 
through the center of the forest. 

“Let’s follow it for a mile or so to the south,” 
said Jacques. 

‘ ‘ Is that the direction in which we want to go ? ” 

“Yes, and I think we’d better get some distance 
away from this path. So far, we haven’t met 
any one, but you never can tell. ’ ’ 

“It’s impossible to be too careful to suit me,” 
agreed Leon, as they turned the heads of their 
horses from the path and started to follow the 
winding bed of the brook. 

For some time they proceeded in silence, 
Jacques leading the way. The horses they had 
captured were magnificent animals but they had 
been ridden hard and far and were in need of 
rest. The boys too were very tired after their 
tedious ride in the hay cart, and they had eaten 
nothing since the preceding evening. 

Presently they came to a little ravine, sur- 
rounded on all sides by steep cliffs and huge 
rocks. A small clump of trees was situated in the 
center of the hollow and here it was the boys de- 
cided to make their camp. 

Jacques had filled a bag with hay before they 


A SURPEISE 


63 


left their wagon, and this he gave to the horses 
after allowing them to drink at the brook. The 
two boys also drank deeply of the cool, clear 
water and then at once set about preparing their 
meal. 

‘‘What have we to eatT^ inquired Jacques. 

“Some hard biscuits, two loaves of bread and 
some bacon.” 

“That^s better than nothing, anyway.” 

‘ ‘ Of course it is. I call that a very good meal, ’ ^ 
laughed Leon. “We can have some hot bacon at 
any rate.” 

“How are you going to cook it! We have 
nothing to put it in.” 

“Give me a match and I’ll soon show you.” 

“I don’t know whether I have any matches or 
not.” 

“Oh, Jacques, you must have,” exclaimed Leon 
in alarm. “Every good soldier always carries 
matches.” 

“Have you any!” demanded Jacques as he 
fumbled through his pockets. 

“No, but I’m not a good soldier, I admit.” 

“Well, I have two, and don’t waste them what- 
ever you do.” 

“You tie the horses while I build the fire,” said 
Leon as he began the task of gathering firewood. 

Jacques had been holding the two horses by 
their bridles all this time, while they munched the 


64 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


hay on the ground at their feet. Now he led them 
about fifty feet away and proceeded to fasten 
them to the low hanging branch of a near-by tree. 
Then he gathered up the remnants of the hay and 
carried it to the hungry animals. 

When he returned to his comrade, there was a 
bright fire burning. Leon was sharpening sticks 
with which he speared fat chunks of bacon and 
held them over the fire to roast. 

‘‘That’s the finest smell I have ever encoun- 
tered,” exclaimed Jacques enthusiastically. “I 
didn’t know I was so hungry.” 

“This will taste all right,” said Leon, “even if 
it doesn’t look so very good.” 

“Cut some slices of that bread, Jacques,” he 
added. “We’ll have roast bacon sandwiches.” 

This was quickly done and soon the two young 
soldiers were busily engaged in appeasing their 
keen appetites. So engaged in this occupation 
were they that they did not notice what was go- 
ing on about them. They had entirely forgotten 
that they might be in danger. 

They speedily were recalled to the possibility, 
however, when they heard the rush of feet be- 
hind them and felt strong hands grasp them 
tightly around their necks and hold their arms 
fast. 


CHAPTER VIII 


NEW FRIENDS 

T he two boys were so completely taken by 
surprise at this sudden onslaught that 
they were powerless to resist. Before 
they had time to realize what was happening they 
found themselves bound hand and foot. Strug- 
gle as they might, they could not loosen their bonds 
in the slightest degree. 

The first thought to flash through the boys^ 
minds had been that their assailants were Ger- 
mans; probably some comrades of the Uhlans 
whose horses they had seized had tracked them 
to this spot. 

Imagine their surprise at looking up into the 
faces of five or six great rough looking, bearded 
men, who certainly were not Germans, and who 
resembled no Frenchmen that Leon, at least, had 
ever seen. He wondered if they were robbers or 
desperadoes of some sort, who were hiding in 
this forest to escape the law. 

They were certainly as wild appearing individ- 
uals as he had ever beheld. Ragged and unkempt, 
and all large and powerfully built, they did not 

65 


66 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


present a very pleasant appearance, whoever they 
might be. 

The captors of the young soldiers stood over 
them, talking rapidly in a language that to Leon 
seemed a strange gibberish, which possibly might 
be a dialect of the French. He trusted so, at any 
rate. 

Jacques straightway began to talk. The men 
looked at him for a moment in surprise and 
then quickly loosed him from his bonds. Leon 
was soon released also and the boys arose to 
their feet, once more free. At least they were no 
longer tied. 

‘‘What is happening r’ asked Leon of his 
friend. 

Jacques, however, paid no attention to his com- 
rade, but kept busily talking to the strange look- 
ing men. 

They must be French, thought Leon, or they 
could not understand what his comrade was say- 
ing. Certainly Jacques was using that language. 
The men stood around him gesticulating and talk- 
ing rapidly. They pointed to the horses and 
then they pointed to Leon, evidently questioning 
J acques in regard to them. 

They laughed at Jacques’ replies and as far as 
Leon could understand appeared to be apologiz- 
ing. At length the strange conversation ceased 
and Jacques turned to his companion. 


NEW FEIENDS 


67 


‘^Well,’’ said Leon, ^^who are your friends T’ 

“Wood cutters,’’ replied Jacques. “They are 
on our side all right, but they mistook us for Ger- 
mans at first.” 

“I hope they won’t treat their other friends 
the way they did us,” remarked Leon, as he 
spoke, ruefully rubbing his neck where he could 
still feel the effect of the strong grip with which 
he had been seized. 

“Yes,” continued Jacques, “they saw the sad- 
dles on our horses and thought of course we were 
Uhlans. Then they decided to fix us so that we 
could do no harm.” 

“I thought they were robbers, or outlaws, or 
something like that,” said Leon. “I have never 
seen any French wood cutters before.” 

“They’re not very handsome, I admit, but they 
are good people. ’ ’ 

“They kept us from our breakfast,” protested 
Leon. ‘ ‘At this time that is about the worst thing 
any man could do to me.” 

“Never mind,” said Jacques laughingly, “they 
have invited us to breakfast with them.” 

“Good!” exclaimed Leon. “Let’s start at 
once. ’ ’ 

The two young soldiers quickly secured their 
horses and a moment later were following their 
newly found friends over the rough ground to 
the place where the wood cutters lived. 


68 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


It was a strange procession. The six great 
grizzled peasants led the way in single file, while 
close behind them came the two boys, each lead- 
ing his horse. Up a narrow trail ont of the ra- 
vine they passed, and presently once more found 
themselves in the deep woods. 

‘‘What were these men laughing at when 
you were talking to themU’ asked Leon of his 
friend. 

“I was telling them about the load of hay and 
how surprised the Germans were when you sud- 
denly burst out.’’ 

“They liked that, did they?” 

“I should say they did. They all exclaimed 
that they wished they had been there to help us 
make prisoners of our victims, as well as to bring 
away their horses. ’ ’ 

“Well, I think a body guard of a few men like 
these would be a very nice thing,” laughed Leon. 
“What do you say to our bringing them along?” 

“It would suit us better than it would them, I 
imagine. They are a strange lot of men and 
usually very ignorant.” 

“Have they seen any Germans lately?” 

“I don’t know. I didn’t ask and they said 
nothing about it. They did say though that they 
saw large bodies of troops pass to the south some 
days ago.” 

“French or German?” 


! 





Both men were holding their hands above their heads 
in token of their surrender. {Page 58.) 



NEW FRIENDS 


69 


‘‘Both. First went the French and a few Eng- 
lish with them. Then came the Germans. Thou- 
sands and thousands of them the man said ; thicker 
than the leaves on a tree.’’ 

“That won’t help us to reach our regiment any 
sooner than we expected, will it?” exclaimed Leon 
somewhat dolefully. 

“No, but I think we can do it. Don’t worry 
just now, anyway ; here we are at our destination 
and I’m ready to eat.” 

“We didn’t leave our bacon back there in the 
ravine, did we?” exclaimed Leon in sudden 
alarm. 

“No, indeed. I brought along all the food that 
we hadn’t eaten, and you know what little chance 
we had to do that. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ I surely do. Let ’s hope for better luck here. ’ ’ 

Several rude huts were situated in a clearing 
in the forest and here it was that the wood cut- 
ters lived. Hewn from rough logs, with the cracks 
stuffed with sod, the little houses did not present 
a very attractive appearance. At the doors of 
one or two there appeared women and a little 
group of children. Unkempt and ill fed curs ran 
out to bark at the newcomers. 

“What a way to live,” exclaimed Leon. 

“It is pretty bad, isn’t it?” said Jacques. 
“These people are pitifully poor and I should 
say that they existed rather than lived.” 


70 WITH JOFFEE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


^‘Everything looks dirty, too,^^ said Leon. “I 
wonder if we can eat their food.’^ 

“I can eat nails, I believe,’^ exclaimed Jacques. 
“Never do I remember having been so hungry.’’ 

“We want sleep too, you know.” 

“We’ll get that here, all right.” 

The boys tied their horses in a low shed nearby 
and a few moments later were busily engaged in 
eating. A broth made from vegetables and 
stewed rabbit was set before them and the two 
young soldiers lost no time in testing its qualities. 

“I don’t know what this stuff is,” said Leon 
after his first few tastes, “but I do know that it’s 
mighty good.” 

“It’s rabbit stew.” 

“Where did the rabbit come from?” 

“How do I know?” inquired Jacques, amused 
at the many questions his American comrade kept 
asking. “I guess they poached it.” 

“You mean these men are poachers?” 

‘ ‘ Probably. ’ ’ 

“Well, it doesn’t bother me any, I can tell you 
that,” said Leon as he applied himself more in- 
dustriously than before to his task. 

“Nor me.” 

Jacques turned to the woman who had brought 
them the stew and told her how much they liked 
it. She smiled delightedly, as did also the men 
who were standing nearby watching the boys ap- 


NEW FRIENDS 71 

pease their hunger. Simple folk, they seemed, 
but hospitable and anxious to be of service. 

At last the food was gone. Sleep was the next 
thing that suggested itself to the boys and they 
were invited to occupy two bunks in one of the 
huts. This invitation they gratefully accepted 
and decided to retire shortly. 

‘^We must find out soon what we are going to 
do,’’ said Jacques. 

^‘What do you mean?” 

‘‘I mean what route we are going to take on our 
way south.” 

Don’t you know the way?” exclaimed Leon. 
^*1 thought you knew all about it.” 

‘‘Not at all. I have a general idea of the coun- 
try, but not good enough to tell all the little places 
we must go through, or which is the best route 
to follow.” 

“How can we map out a route anyway?” de- 
manded Leon. “We don’t know where our regi- 
ment is and even if we did know, what good would 
it do us? Just because they are in one place 
now, doesn’t mean they’ll still be there next 
week.” 

“That’s true enough. What do you suggest?” 

“I haven’t thought much about it, to tell you 
the truth. I have been following you blindly.” 

“Well, I have a plan,” said Jacques. “Tell me 
what you think of it. You know that the Ger- 


72 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


mans are sending separate armies into France, 
donT you!’^ 

^‘You mean they are invading from different 
points at the same timeT^ 

“Exactly. That is the way I understand it, at 
any rate. My idea is to follow the route of their 
most westerly army ; that is the division our regi- 
ment was pitted against, I believe. 

“Either that or the one next to it,’’ agreed 
Leon. “What is the idea in following the Ger- 
man western army though? Wouldn’t it be 
shorter to head straight for Paris from here?” 

“It is shorter, but harder, I think. You see, 
if we follow the German right wing, we will have 
enemies on only one side of us, while if we start 
straight from here, we will have them on all 
sides.” 

“Quite right, and I guess your plan is the best 
one after all. ’ ’ 

“Very well, then. Let’s get some rest now and 
when evening comes we ’ll start out again. Prob- 
ably one of these men will guide us part way on 
our journey. At least he can put us on the right 
track. ’ ’ 

“All right,” said Leon. “That sounds like a 
good scheme. The first part of it is satisfactory 
anjnvay.” 

The two boys arose and following one of the 
wood cutters entered the low door of one of the 


NEW FRIENDS 


73 


near-by buts. A wide bunk at one end of the 
rude house was offered them and they lost no time 
in climbing in. Scarcely had their heads touched 
the piUow before they were sound asleep. 


CHAPTER IX 


A BIDE IN THE NIGHT 


W IEN Leon awoke it was already grow- 
ing dark and inside the hut it was al- 
most impossible to distinguish objects 
clearly. At first he had no idea where he was 
and he sprang to his feet with a start. Then he 
suddenly remembered the happenings that had 
brought him to the wood cutters’ home and he 
looked about him for his comrade. 

Jacques, however, was nowhere to be seen. 

He was not inside the hut, as Leon soon dis- 
covered. This fact caused the young American 
no little worry, as in times like the present it was 
never a certainty that any one was safe. 

Leon hastened to the door determined to find 
his friend. As he emerged from the house he 
spied Jacques approaching with one of the peas- 
ants. The young American heaved a sigh of re- 
lief at his discovery. 

^‘Hey, there, Jacques!” he called. ‘‘I thought 
you were lost.” 

‘‘Not at all,” laughed Jacques, coming up to 
the place where Leon was standing. “I woke up 

74 


A RIDE IN THE NIGHT 


75 


about a half an hour ago and I thought I would 
scout around a little. This man is going to guide 
us out of the woods.’’ 

‘‘Good for him! When do we start?” 

“As soon as we have had something to eat. I 
was just coming to wake you up. When I 
climbed out of that bunk you were sno-ring so loud 
I thought at first one of those German forty-two 
centimeter howitzers was bombarding us.” 

“Is that so?” laughed Leon. “Perhaps if the 
Germans hear me they’ll think it’s the French ar- 
tillery and run away from us.” 

“Well, anyway,” said Jacques, “I have found 
a guide. These people insist that we must eat 
dinner before we start out and this man has of- 
fered to show us the way. ’ ’ 

“They’re mighty good. How about our 
horses ? ’ ’ 

“They have been watered, fed and rubbed 
down. We are ready to start at any time now.” 

‘ ‘ That is wonderful, ’ ’ exclaimed Leon. ‘ ‘ Let ’s 
eat our meal and be off.” 

They were soon busily engaged in disposing of 
another simple, but hearty, meal, and as they ate 
they discussed their plans. 

“We want to reach Douai next,” said Jacques. 
“That is the nearest place of any size and is on 
the route followed by the German right wing, I 
think.” 


76 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


‘‘We don’t want to go into the city itself, do 
we!” 

‘ ‘ Oh, I think not, hut I mean that is the general 
direction we want to follow.” 

“All right,” said Leon, “and then where do we 
go from Douai!” 

“We go to Vitry and then to Arras. Then 
down through Albert and Amiens; then on to 
Paris.” 

“Sounds easy enough,” said Leon. “How far 
is it from here!” 

“About a hundred miles or so, I should say.” 

“That’s quite a fair walk.” 

“I know it is, but we’ll get there. Anyway we 
have horses.” 

“Yes, we have horses now,” agreed Leon. 
“To-morrow we may not though.” 

“Well, you know that song the EngUsh soldiers 
were singing up around Mons, don’t you! ‘It’s 
a long way to Tipperary, but my heart’s right 
there.’ It’s a long way to Paris, too, hut our 
hearts are right there, and we’ll be there too, be- 
fore very long.” 

“I hope so. Perhaps we won’t have to go all 
the way to Paris anyway.” 

“That’s so,” agreed Jacques. “Anyway let’s 
make a start for it. Just think what General 
Joffre will say when he hears we have forced our 
way from Belgium to Paris through the whole 


A EIDE IN THE NIGHT 77 

German army. He ^11 probably give us the Legion 
of Honor. 

‘‘Wake up, Jacques. You’re still asleep,” ex- 
claimed Leon laughingly. “Where are our 
horses? We ought to be on our way.” 

A moment later the boys were seated in their 
saddles ready to depart. Their guide was on foot 
and was to lead the way through the forest, while 
the two young soldiers followed slowly behind 
him. The wood cutters crowded about them and 
wished them the best of luck. Jacques thanked 
them all, in behalf of himself and Leon, for their 
hospitality and then they started off. 

Both boys were in fine fettle and felt ready for 
almost anything. Two hearty meals and a long 
sleep had put fresh life into them and they were 
both in high spirits. 

“It’s awfully dark in these woods,” exclaimed 
Leon, after they had covered a quarter of a mile 
or more. 

“It certainly is. What do you suppose we 
would have done without a guide?” 

“I’ve no idea. We’d have had to let our 
horses go wherever they wanted to, I guess. I’m 
sure I’d hate to try to find my way through here.” 

“I’m letting my horse find his own path now,” 
said Jacques. “I hope he can see the way, for I 
know I can’t. He is following our guide all 
right.” 


78 WITH JOFFEE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


‘Ht’s a good thing we have these horses, isn’t 
it!” chuckled Leon. ‘‘Just think of having to 
walk all this distance.” 

“An automobile is better than a horse.” 

“All right, then. Let’s get an automobile.” 

“Where shall we find one!” inquired Jacques, 
much amused at his friend’s enthusiasm. 

“How do I know!” retorted Leon. “Where 
did we find these horses ! ’ ’ 

“On the road, of course.” 

“Well, then, that’s the place to look for an 
automobile. ’ ’ 

“You talk as though it was easy,” laughed 
Jacques. “Do you think we are going to find one 
sitting by the roadside waiting for us!” 

“You never can tell,” persisted Leon. “We 
might run across one.” 

“Do you think we could run it!” 

“Well, if you can’t, you ought to be ashamed 
of yourself,” exclaimed Leon. “Any man who is 
an aviator in the French army and can’t run a 
motor car ought to be made to walk to Paris. ’ ’ 

A weird cry suddenly sounded far o*ff to their 
right, causing both horses to start nervously, and 
forcing the boys to give all their attention to their 
mounts. 

Again the cry was heard, this time apparently 
closer at hand and greater in volume. 

“What is that!” exclaimed Leon nervously, as 


A EIDE IN THE NIGHT 79 

he tried to quiet his horse, which was shaking 
with fear. 

‘‘Wolves, I think,’’ replied Jacques. He spoke 
a few words to their guide in his native tongue. 
“Yes,” he continued, “that is a pack of wolves. 
Our guide says so.” 

“They won’t attack us, will theyT’ said Leon. 

“I don’t think so. I knew that there were 
wolves in these forests, but I don’t think they’ll 
bother us. In winter, however, they grow very 
bold sometimes, es-pecially when they roam in 
packs. ’ ’ 

Once more the mournful and blood-curdling 
howl of the wolf broke the silence of the night. 
The two horses were exceedingly nervous and it 
was with difficulty that the boys restrained them 
from breaking into a run. 

“There are several of them, I think,” sug- 
gested Leon in a low voice. 

“Perhaps so,” replied Jacques, “but we’ll soon 
be out of the woods and I think there is but slight 
danger from wolves at this time of year. It is 
only in the winter, when they are made desperate 
by hunger, that they are bold enough to come 
where men are.” 

The cry resounded through the forest several 
times more, but each time it seemed to be more 
distant and before long faded away entirely. 
The horses soon became quiet and ci ^2 iourney was 


80 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


resumed in peace. In a short time they reached 
the edge of the woods as Jacques had predicted, 
and their guide prepared to turn back. 

The boys thanked him for his kindness, and 
for the food which he had presented them. This 
supply Jacques now was carrying in a pack on 
his back. 

A long white road stretched before them and 
when their guide had indicated the direction to be 
taken, he wkved good-by to the boys and entering 
the woods once more, disappeared from sight. 

‘‘Well, here we are,’’ exclaimed Jacques at 
length. 

“Yes, and I can’t say I am as fond of the open 
road as I am of the woods,” replied Leon. 
‘ ‘ There are too many people on a highway like this 
and the risk is much greater. ’ ’ 

“That’s true enough, but at the same time you 
must remember that we can make much better 
time here. I don’t know how we can avoid the 
risk. ’ ’ 

“Neither do 1. We’ll have to be more careful, 
that’s all.” 

Setting spurs to their horses they started off 
down the road at a brisk canter. The night was 
very dark and very still, and to the two young sol- 
diers it seemed as if the hoof beats of their 
mounts must he heard for a long distance around. 
They realized that they were in danger, for there 


A EIDE IN THE NIGHT 


81 


are bodies of stragglers behind every army, 
especially one traveling as fast as the Germans \ 
One of the wood cutters had told Jacques that he 
understood they covered between twenty and 
thirty miles a day. 

This man had hidden in the woods as the Ger- 
man masses surged past. Often he said he had 
seen some of the men in the ranks, too exhausted 
to keep pace with the others, urged on by the 
swords of their officers. There was no time to 
sympathize with weaklings and every man must 
keep going, whether he felt like it or not. 

“The German army is certainly a wonderful 
machine, isn’t it!” Leon exclaimed suddenly as 
he recalled what he had heard and seen of it. 

“It surely is,” replied his companion, “and I 
hope that no part of that machine is lurking 
around here.” 

“We are helpless, if they are,” said Leon. 
“Any one could hear us coming a quarter of a 
mile down the road and just sit and wait for us. 
I don’t like this horseback riding, down the main 
highway at night, with the thought always in your 
mind that at any second some German may be sit- 
ting by the roadside aiming a gun at your head. ’ ’ 

“What can we do!” protested Jacques. 

“I don’t know, I’m sure. We’ll have to chance 
it, I guess.” 

“We can’t ride across country very well, and I 


82 WITH JOFFEE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


hate to give up our horses, for we certainly make 
much better time this way than on foot./^ 

‘Hf we only had an automobile, T sighed Leon. 

‘‘What good would that do us? We^d still be 
on the road just the same. ’ ’ 

“Think of the speed we could make,’^ Leon in- 
sisted. “We could run away from any one who 
chased us.’^ 

“That depends on the kind of car we had,’’ 
laughed Jacques. “I must say I’ve seen some 
machines that couldn ’t run away from anything. ’ ’ 

“Oh, but we’d pick a good one, of course.” 

“I hear one now,” exclaimed Jacques suddenly. 

Both boys reined in their horses and listened. 
Sure enough, far down the road ahead of them 
they could hear the whirr of a motor as it sped 
over the country. Its searchlight flashed against 
the sky for a moment as it climbed a low hill. 

“Quick, Leon, get off the road,” urged Jacques. 

“Let’s stop them,” said Leon eagerly, not mov- 
ing an inch. 

“Don’t be a fool!” cried Jacques, as he spurred 
his horse ahead and hastily made his way to the 
cover of some near-by trees. 

Left alone, there was no choice for Leon but to 
follow. A moment later the automobile sped by 
with a rush and roar. As far as he could dis- 
cover from the one quick glance afforded him. 


A RIDE IN THE NIGHT 


83 


Leon thought there were only two men in the car. 
They were evidently in great haste. 

‘‘You see now easy it would be/’ he explained 
to Jacques, as they started down the road again. 
“All we’d have to do would be to stand in the 
middle of the road and point our revolvers at 
them. They’d see us in the glare of the lights 
and would stop quickly enough. Will you try it ! ” 

“I don’t know,” replied Jacques cautiously. 
‘ ‘ It seems a risky sort of business to me. ’ ’ 

“Oh, come on,” Leon urged. “We can do it 
easily. Will you try it on the next one that comes 
along? I’ll guarantee it’ll be all right.” 

“Here comes one now,” he suddenly exclaimed. 
“Are you with me, Jacques? I can’t do it alone, 
you know.” 

“All right,” cried Jacques, quickly dismount- 
ing as he spoke. 

With a sharp slap on the side the two faithful 
horses were sent speeding down the road. Then 
drawing their revolvers the hoys took their places 
directly in the pathway of the approaching auto- 
mobile. 


CHAPTEE X 

A NEW CONVEYANCE 

we keep our nerve, we’re all right,” ex- 
I claimed Leon, as the huge car thundered 

JL down upon them. 

‘‘Don’t worry about our losing that,” replied 
Jacques grimly. 

Nearer and nearer came the automobile. It 
was moving at the rate of at least fifty miles an 
hour and for a moment it seemed to the two young 
soldiers in the middle of the road that it was not 
going to stop. 

Suddenly the roar of the motor ceased; the 
brakes screamed and whined and the car came to 
a full stop not ten feet away from them. The 
engine still ran smoothly and evenly, however. 

“Quick, Jacques, run up to the car and disarm 
the people. I think there is only one man in it, 
though. I’ll keep him covered.” 

Jacques sprang forward at once, still keeping 
his gun gripped firmly in his right hand. Sure 
enough, as Leon had said, there was but one man 
in the machine and he was the chauffeur. 

84 


A NEW CONVEYANCE 


85 


Calling upon him to surrender, Jacques sprang 
upon the running hoard and pressed his revolver 
close to the surprised man^s ear. 

“Come on, Leon!’’ he called. “There is only 
one person here.” 

“What did I tell you?” cried Leon gleefully. 
“I said we might as well have an automobile as a 
couple of horses and here it is already.” 

He jumped into the tonneau of the car as he 
spoke. 

“The man’s a German, isn’t he?” he inquired 
of Jacques. 

“Certainly. Don’t you see his helmet?” 

Their captive sat silent in his seat, calmly look- 
ing from one to the other of the young soldiers. 

“Take his gun away from him, Leon,” cried 
Jacques. “I’ll stand here and keep this revolver 
pointed at his head. I guess that’ll keep him 
quiet.” 

Leaning over the hack of the seat Leon quickly 
deprived their victim of whatever means of de- 
fense he had. 

“All right, Jacques,” he said. “Now what 
shall we do with him?” 

“Put him out of the car.” 

“Get out,” shouted Leon in the man’s ear. 

He did not move. 

“He can’t understand you, Leon,” Jacques re- 
minded. “Make motions.” 


V 

86 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 

‘‘Get out,’’ repeated Leon, waving Ms arms vio- 
lently as he spoke. 

This method of communication instantly had 
the desired effect and the German rose to Ms feet. 
As he did so he leaned forward and with a quick 
motion did something to the mechamsm of the 
car. The motor began to slow down and pres- 
ently stopped entirely. 

‘ ‘ Stop that ! ’ ’ cried Leon angrily, but it was too 
late to prevent the man from accomplishing his 
purpose. 

“Don’t worry,” exclaimed Jacques. “I know 
what he did.” 

As the German, grinmng maliciously, stepped 
from the car, Jacques motioned for him to go in 
front of the headlights. Following closely be- 
hind him and constantly flourishing his revolver, 
the young Frenchman made his captive hold up 
Ms hands. 

“Now you keep him covered,” he said to Leon. 
“I want to search him.” 

He quickly went through the German’s pockets 
and presently uttered an exclamation of satisfac- 
tion. 

“Here it is,” he exclaimed, very much relieved. 

“What is it?” inquired Leon. 

“It is what he took out of the car. We’d have 
been helpless without it.” 

“I asked you what it was,” repeated Leon. 


A NEW CONVEYANCE 87 

‘‘The little plug that furnishes the spark neces- 
sary to start the motor/’ 

“Well, I guess we do need that,” exclaimed 
Leon grimly. “You are sure you can run the 
car, Jacques?” 

“Positive.” 

“What make is it?” 

“It’s a Benz. I’ve often run one, and I know 
all about them.” 

“That’s good,” said Leon. “Let’s get rid of 
our friend here and start on our way. Somebody 
will come along and take the car away from us 
if we aren’t more careful.” 

“Eight you are,” agreed Jacques, “hut what 
shall we do with this fellow?” 

“Leave him where he is.” 

“We might take him along as a prisoner.” 

“What could we do with a prisoner when the 
German army is between us and our troops?” ex- 
claimed Leon. 

“I guess we couldn’t do anything,” replied 
Jacques. “ We ’ll leave him here as you suggest. ’ ’ 

“Come along, then. We are wasting valuable 
time.” 

A moment later the two young soldiers were 
in the front seat of the automobile. Jacques had 
started the motor and was at the wheel. The 
German who had previously owned the machine 
stood in the glare of the searchlights mournfully 


88 WITH JOFFEE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


watching his enemies preparing to make off with 
his car. 

‘‘Wait a minute, Jacques,’^ exclaimed Leon 
suddenly. 

“What^s the matter T’ 

“Did you search him for papers of any kindl’^ 
Leon continued excitedly. “He might have his 
pockets full of valuable documents for all we 
know. ^ ’ 

“Don’t worry about that,” returned Jacques. 
“When I was looking for the plug, you may be 
sure I looked for papers, too. He didn’t have a 
thing.” 

“All right, then. Go ahead.” 

The car started slowly as Jacques let in the 
clutch, and they were soon turned around and 
headed in the opposite direction from that in 
which the car had come. The German stood by 
the roadside looking very dismal. Leon kept his 
glance fixed upon him, however, for he wished to 
take no chances. A punctured tire or some simi- 
lar mishap would be very annoying just at this 
time. 

The German made no move, however. He 
probably appreciated the fact that one unarmed 
man has no chance against two that possess guns. 
The huge Benz thundered off down the road leav- 
ing the German to his own devices. 


A NEW CONVEYANCE 


89 


“Perhaps hell find our horses,” remarked 
Leon, 

“He’s very welcome to mine, I’m sure,” 
laughed Jacques. 

“We ought to have told him about them. That 
was the least we could have done for him.” 

“How could we tell him?” exclaimed Jacques. 
“Neither one of us could speak German, and he 
couldn’t speak French or English.” 

“That’s so. Anyway, I am satisfied with our 
trade.” 

“This is a wonderful car, all right,” remarked 
Jacques. 

“I wish my brother Earl could see me now,” 
sighed Leon. “He’d almost die of envy, I think. 
Suppose he should suddenly appear here all at 
once. ’ ’ 

“Where was he when you last heard of him?” 

“In England. That doesn’t mean he is still 
there, though. Personally I think he has started 
out to look for me. I wrote him that I had en- 
listed, you know, but even if he never received my 
letter, I’m sure he’d expect me to do that.” 

“He also may have enlisted.” 

“Quite true. I shouldn’t be a bit surprised.” 

“If he has enlisted I don’t believe he is riding 
around in as fine automobiles as you are,” 
chuckled Jacques. 


90 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


guess not/’ 

‘‘How about gasoline r’ exclaimed Leon sud- 
denly. 

“I never looked,” said Jacques. “We’d bet- 
ter do it, too.” 

“We’ll never get any more, that’s sure. 
What’s the use of looking? All we can do is to 
run until this gives out and then we’ll have to 
abandon the car. Won’t that be a shame?” 

“We may not be forced to it, however.” 

“What do you mean?” Leon exclaimed. 

“How did we get this automobile?” 

“We took it away from that German.” 

“Can’t we get gasoline the same way?” 

“You mean hold up another car and drain the 
tank?” 

“Why not?” said Jacques calmly. “I see no 
reason why we can’t do that, and as you say, it 
would be a shame to abandon this beautiful ma- 
chine just for the lack of a few gallons of gaso- 
line.” 

“You’re all right, Jacques,” exclaimed Leon 
gleefully. 

“Say,” he added, “isn’t this a lark?” 

“So far it is,” agreed Jacques, “but things 
can’t go on like this forever, you know. I’ve just 
been thinking about that and I’m afraid we are 
due for an awful bump soon. Everything has 
been too easy.” 


A NEW CONVEYANCE 


91 


‘‘We have been lucky, haven’t we?” said Leon. 
“Still,” he added, “you can’t call it all luck by 
any means. We have taken chances and won out. 
That isn’t luck.” 

“I don’t care if it is,” exclaimed Jacques, “if 
it only keeps up.” 

The two boys lapsed into silence, as they sped 
over the highway. Mile after mile they covered, 
the powerful car seemingly ignoring all the diffi- 
* culties as well as the distances. Now and again 
they approached small towns and after their first 
experience they usually avoided them by a detour. 
The first town they had come to, however, they 
had sped right on through. 

As they thundered along the single street that 
composed the little settlement they had been 
greeted by a half dozen bullets fired at them from 
behind. Consequently they took no more such 
risks. 

Not another car had they met, and they both 
often wondered what they should do if s.uch an 
emergency should arise. Perhaps they were 
lucky, as Jacques had said. 

“There’s a big city ahead of us,” exclaimed 
Leon suddenly. 

“Yes, that must be Douai,” replied his friend. 
“We had better take the next road to the left and 
not attempt to go near the city.” 

As they turned from the main road a few mo- 


92 WITH JOFFKE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


ments later, the first streaks of light were begin- 
ning to appear in the east. Soon it would be day 
and a bad time for two soldiers of the army of 
France to be on the road in that part of the 
country. 

‘‘Hadn’t we better stop soon?” said Leon pres- 
ently. 

“I was thinking that very thing,” replied 
Jacques. “I had thought we should keep on until 
we came to some heavy woods. We could run the 
car in there and hide for the day. Also we might 
keep a lookout for some passing automobile, for 
we’ll need gasoline soon.” 

“Can you run the car into the woods, though?” 

“This car will go anywhere,” exclaimed 
Jacques. “I’ll guarantee to take it into any 
woods you select, if there is Only room enough 
between the trees.” 

“All right,” agreed Leon. “You’re the 
driver. ’ ’ 

Before they had covered many more miles the 
day had broken and everything about them was 
flooded with the beams of the early morning sun. 
Still they had found no satisfactory shelter, and 
they were becoming somewhat worried. 

“I think I see some thick woods ahead,” re- 
marked Leon at length. “It’s about time we were 
out of sight, too.” 

“These are all right,” said Jacques, as a mo- 


A NEW CONVEYANCE 93 

ment later they reached the spot Leon had indi- 
cated. 

There was a strip of woods on both sides of 
the road. They were filled with large trees and 
considerable underbrush was to be seen, which 
promised an excellent refuge for the two young 
soldiers and their captured automobile. Just be- 
yond the patch of woods was a large open field, 
evidently a part of a near-hy farm. 

Jacques ran the car slowly along, looking for a 
suitable place to turn in. He had found what he 
wanted when Leon suddenly grasped him by the 
arm. 

^ ^ Stop the car, Jacques ! Quick ! ’’ he exclaimed 
in a low voice, pointing directly in front of him 
as he spoke. 


CHAPTER XI 


A BOLJ> PLAN 

J ACQUES quickly followed Ms friend sug- 
gestion and peered eagerly in the direction 
Leon indicated. 

At first he saw nothing. 

‘ ‘ What is it r ’ he exclaimed. 

‘‘Don^t you seeT’ cried Leon. ‘‘Look there. 
Right through that break in the trees. 

“I don’t see anything,” said Jacques. “Yes, 
I do, too,” he added an instant later. “It’s an 
aeroplane.” 

“It certainly is,” exclaimed Leon, “and it’s 
coming this way.” 

“Suppose it should land near here.” 

“I was just thinking of that,” remarked 
Jacques; and the two boys looked at each other 
knowingly. 

“Oh, Jacques, do you think we could!” said 
Leon excitedly. 

“Could what!” 

“Capture that aeroplane, of course. Isn’t that 
what you were thinking!” 

94 


A BOLD PLAN 


95 


‘‘Yes, that’s what I was thinking, all right,” 
replied Jacques, “but I don’t know how we could 
capture it any more than you do.” 

“Well, let’s put up the car and watch it any- 
way,” exclaimed Leon eagerly. 

Jacques quickly turned the big Benz into the 
woods at their right. Over the rough ground 
they went until they reached a dense thicket. 
Into this Jacques forced the automobile as far as 
it could go, and then the two boys quickly jumped 
to the ground. To cover the exposed part of the 
machine with loose boughs was the work of. but 
a moment, and then they hastened at full speed 
back to the road again. 

“Do you see it!” exclaimed Leon. 

“No.” 

“Let’s run down to the edge of that big field. 
We can see more of the sky there.” 

They set off down the road at full speed and 
soon came to the border of the woods. They did 
not go out into the open, however. Eemaining 
under cover of the trees they skulked along the 
edge of the forest, keeping a sharp lookout in all 
directions for the missing aeroplane. 

“Stop here,” exclaimed Jacques at length. 

The young soldiers crouched behind a dense 
clump of bushes which kept them out of the sight 
of any one in the field, but which did not shut off 
their view of the sky or of the country in any 


96 WITH JOFFEE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


way. Once settled there they eagerly resumed 
their search for the aeroplane. 

It was nowhere to be seen, however. 

‘‘This seems sort of silly, said Leon after 
some moments had elapsed. “Here we are wait- 
ing for an aeroplane we happened to see flying 
overhead to come and land right at our feet. I 
guess we were too enthusiastic.’^ 

“It looks so, doesn’t it? As you say, I don’t 
see why we expected it to land, especially right 
where we are. AVhat were we going to do if it 
did come down here?” 

“I don’t know, I’m sure,” replied Leon. 
“Perhaps we thought the aviator would turn it 
over to us.” 

“Very likely,” laughed Jacques. “The men 
in it probably knew that I was an aviator in the 
French army and could drive the machine. They 
also knew that you and I were stranded from 
our regiment and were anxious to get back. 
Consequently they decided to turn their aeroplane 
over to us in order to help us. ’ ’ 

“It might have been a French machine,” said 
Leon, smiling at his friend’s remarks. 

“It wasn’t, though,” said Jacques. 

“How do you know?” 

“I saw it. It was a German machine of the 
type they call a taube.” 


A BOLD PLAN 97 

‘‘Well, then, maybe you couldn^t have run it 
anyway,^’ remarked Leon. 

“Don’t be silly, Leon. Of course I could run 
it.” 

“You seem to have a lot of confidence in your 
ability,” laughed Leon. 

“Why not? I’ve been in this aviation business 
for some time now and in order to be a success 
I can tell you it is necessary to know all about 
machinery and motors. I’m not boasting when 
I say I could run that taube without any trouble.” 

“Weir, it’s gone, anyway,” sighed Leon, rising 
to his feet as he spoke. “We might as well go 
back to our automobile.” 

Jacques also arose and the two young soldiers 
started to retrace their steps through the forest. 

They had covered only a few yards when 
Jacques suddenly stopped. 

“Listen,” he exclaimed. 

Both boys stood still. Over their heads and 
from high in the air came the whirring sound 
made by the propellers and motor of an aeroplane. 

“They’re coming back,” cried Jacques excit- 
edly. “Come on, Leon.” 

Quickly scrambling back to their place behind 
the bushes the two boys peered eagerly upward 
for a sight of their aerial visitor. 

“There it is!” exclaimed Jacques in a low 


98 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


voice, as he spoke, pointing to the sky directly 
about them. 

“Yes, but they’re not going to land, I’m 
afraid.” 

“It doesn’t appear so, but you can’t tell yet. 
They are about a thousand feet high, I should 
say. ’ ’ 

“Look,” cried Leon. “They’re turning.” 

“Yes, sir, they are, and I wouldn’t be a bit 
surprised now if they did land here after all. ’ ’ 

The aeroplane, resembling a great buzzard in 
its flight, described a circle in the air high above 
the heads of the two eager watchers on the 
ground below. The shape of the taube certainly 
gave it the appearance of a bird and its flight 
seemed to be as steady and true as that of an 
eagle. 

“They are circling around here, looking for a 
place to land,” cried Jacques. 

“Do you think so?” 

“I’m practically sure of it.” 

“That’s great,” exclaimed Leon gleefully. 
“We may fly to Paris yet, Jacques.” 

“Don’t be too sure,” replied Jacques soberly. 
“They haven’t even landed, and if they do, we’ll 
have no easy task taking the machine away from 
them.” 

“Oh, we can do it,” said Leon confidently. 
“You know we are lucky.” 


A BOLD PLAN 


99 


‘‘So far, yes. This may be the time when our 
luck changes, though.’’ 

“I hope not. Anyway they’re going to land, 
aren’t they!” demanded Leon, watching the aero- 
plane intently. 

“Yes. They’ve shut off their motor now, I 
think.” 

“I can’t hear it,” said Leon, listening intently. 
“We’ve got a great chance here, Jacques, and we 
mustn’t make a botch of it.” 

Both boys unconsciously felt for their re- 
volvers, at the same time keeping their gaze 
riveted on the descending aeroplane. Around and 
around in great circles it went, steadily coming 
closer and closer to the earth. Finally, with one 
straight, headlong dive, it shot downward and 
landed gracefully in the field not two hundred 
yards distant from the place where the boys were 
concealed. 

It ran along the ground for some distance and 
then came to a full stop. Almost immediately 
two men got out. 

“What shall we do now!” exclaimed Leon. 
“Bush them!” 

“Wait and see what they do first,” cautioned 
Jacques. 

‘ ‘ But they may leave in a moment. W e mustn ’t 
wait too long.” 

“Well, we can’t charge them across this open 


100 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


field very well. What chance do you think we’d 
have ? ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ N one, ’ ’ agreed Leon. ‘ Hf we only had a rifle. ^ ’ 

‘‘But we haven’t. Could you hit one of them 
at this distance with your revolver?” 

“Not one chance in a thousand.” 

“Nor could I. Consequently we must wait for 
a short time and see if something doesn’t happen 
to our advantage.” 

“What are they doing!” said Leon, puzzled by 
the actions of the two aviators. 

“I should say they were preparing to eat break- 
fast.” 

“I guess you’re right. See, they’re taking 
things out of the aeroplane. Looks like a loaf of 
bread and a can or something.” 

The two Germans busied themselves in their 
task, and to all appearances were absolutely un- 
conscious of any danger lurking near them. This 
fact struck both boys forcibly. 

“They probably think that the whole Allied 
army has been driven almost to Paris,” remarked 
Jacques, “and that there is no danger of any kind 
left in northern France.” 

“Well, they’ll be fooled if they’re not careful,” 
said Leon grimly. 

“Yes, and I hope we are the ones to do it.” 

“We’ll never do it sitting here like this,” ex- 
claimed Leon impatiently. 


A BOLD PLAN 


101 


know that, but what can we doP^ 

‘‘Look!’’ cried Leon suddenly. ‘^One of the 
men is coming over here,’’ 

Sure enough, one of the Germans had started 
to walk briskly in the direction of the hiding place 
of the boys. He hurried along as though he had 
some definite purpose in mind, and was eager to 
execute it. 

‘‘Do you suppose he has seen us?” whispered 
Leon. 

“How could he?” 

“What is he coming over here for, then?” 

“I don’t know, unless he is coming after some 
wood to make a fire. ’ ’ 

“That must be it,” exclaimed Leon. “What 
shall we do to him?” 

“We can’t shoot him, for the shot would alarm 
his companion and he might fly away. We must 
overpower him if we can and then go after the 
other.” 

“All right,” agreed Leon, “but we want our 
guns handy, just the same.” 

The boys lapsed into silence. Crouching be- 
hind the thick bushes they watched the German 
approaching. Straight toward them he came, un- 
concerned and apparently not in the least wor- 
ried. He even whistled a tune as he swung along. 

As he came closer and closer the two young sol- 
diers prepared themselves for the attack. 


CHAPTEE Xn 


AN AMBUSH 

T he German was barely twenty yards dis- 
tant now, and as yet he apparently sus- 
pected nothing. Ten yards away from the 
ambush prepared for him he stopped to light a 
cigarette he had selected from a case in his 
pocket. 

The two young soldiers noticed this fact with 
satisfaction. Neither one of them had ever used 
tobacco and they knew that consequently they 
would be in better condition for the impending 
struggle than would their adversary. 

Breathlessly they waited for the proper mo- 
ment to strike. The German would evidently 
enter the woods about ten feet to the left of the 
place where the boys were hidden. From behind 
he would easily be able to see them and if he did 
so before they had a chance to overpower him, he 
might alarm his companion. It was necessary to 
time the attack for just the proper instant. 

As he came even with their hiding place, Leon 
involuntarily started to rise to his feet. Jacques 
102 


AN AMBUSH 103 

gripped his friend firmly by the arm and held him 
back. 

“Wait one moment/^ he whispered. 

The Grerman walked more slowly after he en- 
tered the forest. He began to look about him on 
the ground and was evidently in search of wood 
as Jacques had surmised. Leon was very impa- 
tient at being held back, but Jacques held him 
tightly, and as the young American could not 
argue at this time there was nothing left for him 
to do but submit to his comrade’s plan, whatever 
it might be. 

“Now, come,” whispered Jacques fiercely, at 
the same time releasing his hold on Leon’s arms. 

Both boys rose to their feet at once and made 
a rush at their enemy, whose back was now turned 
to them. He was standing ten yards or more 
away, unmindful of any danger whatsoever. 

At the sound of the cracking branches and 
leaves behind him he whirled suddenly, but too 
late to escape the onslaught. Both boys instantly 
leaped upon him. Jacques dealt him a crushing 
blow with the butt end of his revolver and at the 
same time Leon tackled him around the knees. 
Never in all his experience on the football field 
had he thrown an opponent quicker or harder than 
he did this aviator. 

The German lay upon the ground partly 
stunned by the blow he had received from 


104 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


Jacques’ revolver. Wasting no time, the boys 
quickly removed their prisoner’s coat and bound 
his arms firmly behind his back. Then, with his 
belt, they tied his feet securely together so that 
he was absolutely powerless to move. 

Carry him over here,” exclaimed Jacques. 

“Where are you going to put him?” 

“Just over here behind this tree, where he’ll 
be out of sight. His friend may be along in a 
few minutes. ’ ’ 

They quickly lifted their prisoner and carried 
him to the spot Jacques had designated. As they 
put him down he opened his eyes dazedly. Up 
to this time he had been too stunned to resist, but 
now having regained full control of his senses he 
began to struggle violently. 

The two boys stood over him with drawn re- 
volvers fully prepared for any emergency, how- 
ever. 

“Do you think he can work himself loose?” 
said Leon. 

“Not the slightest chance,” replied Jacques 
confidently. 

At the sound of voices their captive stopped 
struggling and looked up into the faces of the 
two boys. 

“Who are you?” he inquired in excellent Eng- 
lish. 

It was a decided shock to the two young 


AN AMBUSH 105 

soldiers to hear themselves addressed in this 
tongue. 

‘‘Shall we tell himU’ said Jacques, turning to 
Leon. 

“Why not? He is tied up safely and can do us 
no harm.’’ 

“All right, then,” exclaimed Jacques, “we’ll 
tell him if he wants to know. ’ ’ 

“We’re two soldiers of the French army,” he 
continued, addressing the German at his feet. 
“We’ve been separated from our regiment and 
we are trying to find it again. We saw you land 
here in your aeroplane and we thought that if we 
borrowed it, it might help us to get along much 
faster.” 

The German laughed contemptuously. 

“What could you do with an aeroplane?” he 
inquired. 

“Why, the same thing you have been doing,” 
replied Jacques calmly. 

“You think you could run one then?” sneered 
their captive. 

“Look here,” broke in Leon hotly. “My 
friend here is an aviator in the French army, and 
if you don’t think — ” 

“Don’t bother to explain to him,” laughed 
Jacques. “It’s none of his business who we are, 
anyway. You stay here and watch this man 
while I go and keep an eye on his friend. It’s 


106 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


about time for him to begin a search for this in- 
quisitive comrade of his.’’ 

‘‘All right,” agreed Leon. “I’ll look out for 
him.” 

Jacques returned to his post at the edge of the 
woods, leaving Leon to deal with the captured 
aviator. 

“Now suppose you tell me who you are,” sug- 
gested Leon. “I am somewhat curious, too.” 

“What good would it do you to know that?” 

“None at all,” laughed Leon. “If you are 
ashamed, don’t tell me.” 

“Look here,” exclaimed the German hotly, “it 
seems to me you are a very confident young man. 
What are you doing in the French army, any- 
way? You don’t look like a Frenchman.” 

“What good would it do you to know that?” 
mimicked Leon. 

The Grerman spluttered with rage, but he was 
helpless, and Leon enjoyed this show of temper 
on the part of the prisoner. 

“You speak English very weU,” said Leon. 

“I went to Oxford,” exclaimed the captive, and 
then realizing that he had disclosed something 
about himself he suddenly became quiet. Try as 
he might Leon was unable to draw another word 
from his prisoner. 

The German lay quietly on the ground and 
Leon soon became tired of merely looking at him. 


AN AMBUSH 


107 


What was the use in watching him further! He 
was securely tied and unable to rise to his feet. 
Certainly he could not escape. This was what 
Leon believed and he decided to stroll over to the 
place where Jacques was stationed. Accordingly 
he began to walk slowly in that direction. 

Scarcely had he gone ten feet when the captive 
German began to yell at the top of his lungs. He 
shouted in his native tongue, but it was easy for 
Leon to believe that he was calling for help. He 
knew that if the other aviator became suspicious 
he might fly away, and their prize would be gone 
forever. 

With two bounds he was back at the place 
where his prisoner was lying, and flinging himself 
headlong upon the German he clapped his hand 
over his mouth. 

‘Hf you make one more sound,’’ he hissed in 
the man’s ear, ‘H’ll use this revolver on you and 
it won’t be the butt end of it, either.” 

Quickly feeling in the pockets of the German’s 
coat Leon found a scarf. With this he gagged 
his captive so that he was soon unable to talk 
even if he had so desired. 

This having been done he made his way to the 
spot where Jacques was crouching behind the 
bushes. 

‘‘Why did you let that fellow yell that way!’^ 
demanded Jacques angrily. 


108 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


‘‘How did I know he was going to yellT’ 

“You should have known there was danger of 
it.’’ 

“Did you think of such a thing, before you 
left me?” 

“No,” said Jacques, “I didn’t. Don’t discuss 
it now, anyway. Look at this other man out 
here.” 

“Did he hear the shout?” asked Leon, as he 
peered out upon the field where the aeroplane was 
resting. 

“Of course he heard it,” said Jacques grimly. 
“I think they could have heard it in London. I 
never in my life heard such a loud voice. ’ ’ 

“He acts as though he suspected something, all 
right,” exclaimed Leon after a brief look from 
their hiding place. 

“I should say he did. See, he’s looking this 
way. ’ ’ 

“Yes, and here he comes.” 

At the sound of his companion’s voice the avi- 
ator that had been left with the machine started 
quickly to his feet. Facing the woods he gazed 
intently at them with a puzzled expression on his 
face. Evidently he was undecided whether his 
companion was in trouble or not, and he was wait- 
ing for the call to be rei>eated. Leon already had 
attended to that part of it, however. 


AN AMBUSH 


109 


The German stood for several moments, evi- 
dently listening as intently as he was able, and 
then, when he heard no further sound from his 
friend, he started to walk slowly forward. With 
his revolver in his hand he cautiously picked his 
way across the field. 

‘^The man’s a fool,” exclaimed Jacques in a 
low voice. 

‘‘He certainly is,” agreed Lreon. “He’s brave,, 
but he’s a fool.” 

“Still,” said Jacques, “I don’t think I’d run 
away just because I’d heard a shout. Especially 
if I was almost certain there was none of the 
enemy near-by. That’s what this German 
thinks.” 

“He’s so exposed, though,” protested Leon. 
“He can’t see us and we can see him perfectly. 
Our position is certainly far superior to his. ’ ’ 

“Yes, and we must take advantage of it, too. 
This man is armed and ready for anything. We 
can’t afford to treat him the way we did the 
other. ’ ’ 

“It seems a shame.” 

“This is war, Leon,” reminded Jacques. “Do 
you think he’d hesitate if he was in our posi- 
tion?” 

“I know he wouldn’t. Are you ready?” 

“Let me give the word.” 


110 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


‘^All right,’’ and both boys crouched low be- 
hind their ambush, with guns in their hands and 
fingers on the triggers. 

The German had covered perhaps half the dis- 
tance and now was about a hundred yards dis- 
tant. He stopped and called the name of his 
companion, but of course received no answer. 
Then on he came once more. He was near enough 
now so that the two waiting boys could see him 
distinctly. They could make out the deadly 
whiteness of his skin, the eager glances of his 
eyes as he peered intently into the forest. 

Sixty, fifty, forty yards away he was. Then he 
was only thirty yards distant and still Jacques 
made no sign. It seemed to Leon his comrade 
was never going to give the signal. The German 
came more slowly now. He was evidently nerv- 
ous or suspicious. 

He was scarcely twenty-five yards away when 
Jacques nudged Leon. 

‘‘Now,” he said in a whisper. 


CHAPTEE XIII 


A FRESH START FOR THE FRONT 


T he two revolvers spoke at almost the same 
instant. 

Neither shot went true to its mark, but 
the sharp bark of the automatics brought the 
German to a sudden halt. He raised his revolver 
and fired in the direction of the tiny puffs of 
smoke issuing from the bushes. The bullets 
crashed through the underbrush above the boys’ 
heads while they returned the fire vigorously. 

They were not expert shots with revolvers as 
can readily be imagined from the result of their 
efforts. The German was unhurt and now had 
turned and was running at top speed across the 
field. None of his shots had taken effect either, 
but he had been aiming at a blind target, while he 
had afforded an excellent mark himself. 

‘‘His cartridges are gone,” exclaimed Jacques, 
springing to his feet. 

“So are mine,” cried Leon feverishly, trying 
to jam a fresh supply into the chambers of his 
gun. ‘ ‘ Fire at him, Jacques ! Fire ! ’ ’ 

Jacques needed no advice on this score. He 
111 


112 WITH JOFFEE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


took quick aim and once more fired at the fleeing 
German, who was now fifty yards distant and run- 
ning at full speed. Evidently convinced that he 
was at a decided disadvantage, the aviator was 
risking his life no more than was necessary. He 
was making for his aeroplane as fast as his legs 
could carry him. 

To the great surprise of both boys Jacques^ 
first shot was the only one needed. 

The speeding German stumbled momentarily, 
then pitched headlong to the ground and lay still. 

‘‘YouVe killed him,’’ exclaimed Leon, stunned 
by the full realization of what was taking place. 

Don’t be too sure of that,” said Jacques. 
^‘You know how one of those Uhlans up in Bel- 
gium once fooled us.* This man may be only 
shamming.” 

‘‘You hit him all right,” insisted Leon. 

“Well, if I did it was the best shot I ever made. 
Go slow now, Leon, ’ ’ he added, as they started out 
from the cover of the woods, and began to walk 
across the field to the place where the German was 
lying. 

“Keep your revolver ready,” cautioned 
J acques. 

“No need to worry about that.” 

Slowly and carefully they made their way over 
the rough ground. They were now within fifteen 

* See " The Air Scout.” 


ETAOIN ETAOIN 


113 


or twenty yards of where their opponent lay. He 
was stretched out at full length with his hack 
toward the boys. His face could not be seen. 

“There’s his gun,” whispered Leon. 

^ ‘ Where ? ’ ’ 

“Lying out there on the ground. Don’t you 
see it?” 

“He may have another.” 

“I don’t believe it. I think you killed him.” 

A loud groan immediately assured the two 
young soldiers that this was not the case, how- 
ever. 

“Look out,” cried Jacques. 

“I’m just going around in front of him,” re- 
' plied Leon. “I’m all right. ’ ’ 

He made a short detour and approached the 
wounded aviator. He held his gun ready for in- 
stant use, however, in case the German should at- 
tempt a surprise of any kind. Meanwhile Jacques 
was also ready for any emergency. 

When the German spied Leon, he merely held 
on to his shoulder and groaned. 

“He’s badly wounded,” exclaimed Leon as he 
noted a thin stream of blood covering his enemy’s 
shirt with its crimson stain. 

“Never mind that. Search him first,” di- 
rected Jacques. 

“Keep him covered then.” 

Leon quickly convinced himself that the Ger- 


114 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


man was not armed. His only weapon had evi- 
dently been the gun which he had discarded as he 
fell. This Leon appropriated to his own use. 

‘‘What shall we do with him nowF' exclaimed 
Leon. 

“Leave him where he is.’’ 

“We can’t do that. He’d be sure to die out 
here in the sun.” 

“Do you think he’d worry about us if we were 
in his place?” 

“Perhaps not, but I couldn’t leave any man in 
this condition.” 

“You’re too soft-hearted,” said Jacques. 
^‘You forget that this is all a part of war, and 
that tenderness and war don’t go together.” 

‘ ‘ That may be, but I refuse to abandon him this 
way.” 

“What do you propose to do?” 

Leon was thoughtful for a moment in his ef- 
fort to think of some means of disposing of their 
wounded enemy. 

“If we stay here much longer, some one may 
come along and take the aeroplane away from 
us, ’ ’ remarked J acques, somewhat irritated by his 
companion’s delay. 

“I know what we’ll do,” exclaimed Leon sud- 
denly. 

“What is it?” 

“We’ll untie our friend back there in the woods 


A FRESH START FOR THE FRONT 115 


and leave him to take care of his companion. 
That^s the best we can do.^’ 

‘‘Do you think it’s safe to do that!” 

“Why not?” 

“He may cause trouble for us.” 

“How can he?” demanded Leon. “We’re 
armed and he isn’t. I don’t see how he can pos- 
sibly do us any harm.” 

“All right then, if you say so,” agreed 
Jacques. “Let’s not waste any time about it, 
though. ’ ’ 

The boys immediately set out for the forest, 
leaving the wounded aviator still groaning and 
moaning on the ground. 

“Do you think he^s badly hurt?” inquired Leon 
of his friend. 

“I don’t believe so, though, of course, I don’t 
know much about it. It strikes me, though, that 
if he was very badly wounded he couldn’t writhe 
around and make as much fuss as he has been 
doing. ’ ’ 

“I hope he does recover.” 

“Why do you hope that? He is a German and 
our enemy, and do you think he’d feel sorry if he 
had shot one of us?” 

“No, of course not.” 

“Then what is the matter with you?” 

“W^ell,” said Leon, “this seems different. In 
a battle there are hundreds and thousands of men 


116 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


and it may be all right to kill people then. When 
there are only two on each side I can’t help feel- 
ing as if it was cold blooded and cruel.” 

‘^You’re funny,” laughed Jacques. ^‘If I 
didn’t know you as well as I do I might think you 
didn’t have much nerve.” 

^^You see what I mean though, don’t you?” 

‘^Yes, I do, and I think you are all right if you 
don’t overdo it. First of all we must look out 
for ourselves though.” 

intend to do that all right,” said Leon 
grimly. 

At this moment they entered the woods and 
were soon standing over the prostrate body of 
their captured German. 

Hello, Oxford,” Leon greeted him banter- 
ingly. ^^Have you felt lonesome without me to 
talk to you?” 

The German merely glared at Leon and made 
no reply. 

^^Oh, come,” urged Leon, ‘‘don’t be angry. 
We’ve returned to untie you and let you go. 
Aren’t you glad?” 

At these words their captive’s eyes gleamed, 
but he made no sound. 

“We haven’t much time, Leon,” said Jacques. 
“Let’s get to work.” 

“All right. I’ll roll him over and you untie 
him.” 


A FRESH START FOR THE FRONT 117 


The German had been lying flat on his back. 
Leon quickly grasped him by the arm, however, 
and turned him over so that he rested face down- 
ward, It was but the work of a moment to re- 
lease his arms and when this was done the two 
young soldiers prepared to depart 

^‘You can untie your feet yourself,^’ remarked 
Leon. 

‘‘Whereas Karl!’’ exclaimed the German sud- 
denly. 

‘‘Who’s Karl!” 

“My friend who was with me.” 

“Oh, yes,” said Leon as if suddenly remem- 
bering something. “You’ll find Karl resting out 
in the middle of the field. He ’s probably waiting 
for you and I feel sure he’ll be glad to see you 
again. ’ ’ 

The German merely growled something under 
his breath while he worked hard to loosen the 
strap which held his ankles. 

“We’ll make you a present of something be- 
fore we leave, too,” said Jacques. 

The German looked at him suspiciously. 

“Yes,” continued Jacques, “we’ll make you a 
present. At least, it is more of a trade than a 
present. We intend to take your aeroplane so 
we ’ll give you our automobile. If you walk about 
two hundred yards in that direction,” and he 
pointed toward the woods as he spoke, “you’ll 


118 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


find a nice big Benz automobile in the middle of 
a clump of bushes. We have no further use for 
it, so if you think you’d like to have it, you’re 
very welcome, I’m sure.” 

^‘That’s the truth,” added Leon seriously, for 
it was evident the German did not believe what 
Jacques had said*. 

‘‘Will it run?” asked the German, only half 
convinced. 

“It surely will,” said Jacques. “It’s a beauti- 
ful car, too. There may not be much gasoline in 
the tank, but otherwise it’s in fine condition.” 

“Good-by and good luck to you,” smiled Leon 
as he and Jacques started to walk away. The 
German paid no attention to him, however, but 
merely busied himself in brushing off his clothes, 
and stretching his limbs which were cramx)ed 
from long being in one position. 

“I’d love to stay and tease the fellow some 
more,” chuckled Leon. “I never saw a man get 
so mad when you make fun of him.” 

“You wouldn’t tease him if he didn’t get mad, 
I suppose,” laughed Jacques. 

“Of course not. There’s no fun in it if the 
person you are teasing doesn’t pay any attention 
to you. ’ ’ 

“Look at our wounded friend,” exclaimed 
J acques suddenly. 

The two young soldiers had just emerged from 


A FEESH START FOR THE FRONT 119 


the woods and were surprised to see the man they 
had left writhing in pain, sitting up and looking 
all about him. 

‘‘I guess he wasn^t as badly hurt as we thought,, 
was he?^’ said Leon. 

^Ht doesn’t look so, and I think you need worry 
about him no more. He and his cheerful friend 
in the woods will soon be speeding down the road 
in their new automobile. ’ ’ 

‘^We’d better speed away in our new aero- 
plane,” exclaimed Leon. 

‘‘Right you are, and the sooner the better.” 

“Suppose we can’t start it.” 

“Don’t think of such a thing at a time like 
this.” 

“I don’t want to. I certainly hope we have no 
trouble.” 

They had come to the place where the taube 
was resting and Jacques, with a critical eye, was 
soon inspecting the engine. He tested the cylin- 
ders and the many delicate little mechanisms at- 
tached to the motor. 

“How does it seem?” inquired Leon, who had 
been an interested spectator of these proceedings. 

“First rate. Everything is in fine order.” 

“Ready to start?” 

“Right away. We’d better dress more warmly 
though.” 

In the car of the aeroplane they found sweaters 


120 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


and heavy jackets. They did not hesitate to ap- 
propriate these articles of clothing and were soon 
bundled up and fully prepared for the cold cur- 
rents they were sure to encounter when they were 
high in the air. 

The engine was started and the boys took their 
places in the car. 

‘‘This seems like old times,’’ exclaimed Leon 
delightedly. 

“Doesn’t it, though! This certainly is better 
than horses or automobiles, isn’t it?” 

“I told you we were lucky,” insisted Leon. 

“I’m not so sure of it even yet,” smiled 
Jacques. “Are you ready?” 

“All ready.” 

Jacques pulled a lever and the aeroplane shot 
forward and ran along the ground for a consid- 
erable distance. Then elevating the planes the 
young Frenchman caused the taube to rise from 
the ground and sail gracefully into the air. 

Leon turned and waved his hand at the two 
Germans on the ground beneath him. 


CHAPTER XIV 


THROUGH THE AIR 

'jr "^HERE are we bound! 

‘‘To Paris, of course.” 

V V “Do you know the way!” 

“I think so.” 

“Well,” said Leon, “do you think we can fly 
that far in one attempt!” 

“I see no reason why we can^t.” 

“All right, Jacques. I leave it all to you.” 

“Do we want to go to Paris, though!” ex- 
claimed Leon a moment later. “We want to re- 
join our regiment and if we run across the French 
army between here and Paris we will stop, won’t 
we!” 

“Oh, yes, of course. I only spoke of Paris, 
because I didn’t know what else to say.” 

“Paris may have been captured by this time.” 

“Do you believe that it has been!” exclaimed 
Jacques angrily. 

“No, I don’t.” 

“Neither do I, and I don’t think there are 
enough Germans in all of Germany to take Paris. ’ ’ 

“Let us hope not,” said Leon fervently. 


122 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


They had risen to a height of nearly three thou- 
sand feet by this time and the earth beneath them 
seemed very far away. Neither boy had any feel- 
ing of uneasiness, however. Jacques was an avia- 
tor by profession and Leon, acting as his scout, 
had accompanied him on practically all of his 
flights in Belgium during the first part of the war. 
Consequently they were experienced in the art 
of flying and confidence usually comes with ex- 
perience. 

^Ht seems good to be up here again, doesn’t 
it?” exclaimed Jacques. 

‘Ht certainly does.” 

‘‘Let’s try not to end this flight the way we did 
the last one we took together. Do you remember 
that?” 

“When we hit the tree, you mean?” 

“Yes, and what was it that made us hit the 
tree?” 

“Why, one of our planes collapsed. You know 
that as well as I do.” 

“What made the plane collapse?” insisted 
J acques. 

“Bullet holes.” 

‘ ‘ That’s what I ’m getting at. How did we hap- 
pen to have bullet holes there?” 

“Why, the Germans shot at us, and happened 
to hit us, that’s all.” 

“Yes,” laughed Jacques, “that is exactly so. 


THROUGH THE AIR 


123 


I was trying to make you admit that it was be- 
cause you insisted upon dropping that last bomb 
that we happened to be in a position to be struck. ’ ’ 
wonder if there are any bombs in this aero- 
plane,’^ exclaimed Leon, 
don’t think so.” 

‘ H ’m going to look anyway. ’ ’ 

^^Well, if you do find any we’ll take good care 
to be high enough up in the air so as to be well 
out of range of any German guns. I want to 
reach Paris.” 

‘ ‘ There are none here, ’ ’ said Leon a brief time 
afterward in a disappointed tone. 

‘<I’m glad of it.” 

Don’t you like to drop bombs on your en- 
emies ? ’ ’ 

^‘Of course I do, but just now my one ambition 
is to find my regiment. ’ ’ 

‘‘We’re making good time all right. What 
place is that ahead?” 

“Arras, I should say,’*’ replied Jacques after a 
moment. 

Far beneath them the city lay. The houses ap- 
peared so small that they all seemed to run in to- 
gether. People on the streets looked to be the 
size of ants and without the aid of the field 
glasses Leon had discovered in the aeroplane, it 
would have been difficult for him to distinguish 
objects clearly. 


124 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


‘‘You’re going directly over the town!” ex- 
claimed Leon. 

“Why not!” 

“I don’t know, except that I thought there 
might be more chance of being shot at above a 
town than in the country.” 

“Is any one looking up at us!” 

“I should say so,” replied Leon, peering down 
through his glasses. “In the square there is a 
big crowd of people and they are all looking up 
and pointing at us. ’ ’ 

“They probably think we’re going to drop a 
few bombs.” 

“I wish we could.” 

“Not here though.” 

“No, not here, but on the Germans when we 
come up with them.” 

“We may not see any of them at all,” said 
Jacques. 

“Why not! Where could they all disappear!” 

“That’s not it. We are pretty far to the west 
to strike any of the German armies, I think. I 
imagine that they are all to the left of us.” 

“Do you know that for sure!” 

“No, that’s only a guess, but it seems reason- 
able to me.” 

“Yes, I think it does,” agreed Leon. “They 
all want to keep in touch with one another I sup- 
pose, and if one division got ’way over here it 


THROUGH THE AIR 125 

might be cut off from the rest and either be forced 
to surrender or be destroyed.’^ 

Still,’' said Jacques, ^‘there’s this about it. 
The Germans have been down this way in an ef- 
fort to outflank our troops. If they succeeded 
in that it would be pretty serious business for the 
Allies.” 

‘‘What do you mean ‘outflank’ them?” 

“Why, to turn the flank, to get behind them or 
on one side and force them in toward the center. 
If they could do that they might be able to sur- 
round our troops. That might mean defeat.” 

“You mean that Germany would win the war 
if they could turn the flank of the Allies here?” 
demanded Leon in astonishment. 

“I do not,” said Jacques warmly. “They’ll 
never win this war. At the beginning they may 
have more success than we do, but that’s because 
they are better prepared and have more men. 
Wait till Russia gets going though, and wait till 
England’s army begins to grow. Then you’ll see 
the Allies chasing the Germans out of France 
instead of what has been happening here 
lately.” 

“How big is England’s army?” asked Leon. 

“You mean her regular army?” 

“Yes.” 

“Not over two hundred thousand men, I should 
say.” 


126 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


‘ ‘ Oh, they must have more than that, ^ ^ Leon in- 
sisted. 

‘^That doesn^t include their reserves of course,^’ 
continued Jacques. “They would bring the total 
up to about three quarters of a million.’^ 

“England hasn’t nearly as large an army as 
some of the other nations then?” 

“No, she hasn’t,” said Jacques. “Of course 
I haven’t included their troops in India and 
Canada and their other colonies. Before very 
long England will have a big army over here just 
the same. Don’t fool yourself about that.” 

“We can use them all right.” 

“I guess we can. We don’t know much about 
the situation here now though. Since we left 
Mons we might as well have been in South Amer- 
ica for all the knowledge we have as to what is 
going on.” 

“That’s all right,” said Leon confidently. 
“Just wait a little while now and we’ll be right 
in the thick of it again.” 

“We will, if we’re lucky.” 

“We’re that all right, just as I’ve often told 
you lately. You said our luck was not going to 
keep, but you see it has. Just think how every- 
thing has come out right for us lately and how 
much faster we are traveling than we expected. 
You must admit you never thought you’d be so 
near Paris by this time.” 


THROUGH THE AIR 


127 


^^No, I can^t say I did/’ Jacques admitted. 
‘‘Still I don’t like to hear you talking about luck 
all the time. I’m afraid it will change if we do.” 

The aeroplane now was racing through the air. 
The boys were comfortably dressed in the clothes 
they had appropriated and were perfectly happy. 
At times they conversed and then again they re- 
mained silent for some moments, while they 
looked at the fertile green land beneath them and 
dreamed of the time soon to come when they 
should have another chance to distinguish them- 
selves on the battlefield. 

From their seats, high in the air, none of the 
scars of war could be seen. The little villages 
seemed to be peaceful and the farmhouses cozy 
and comfortable. The country appeared fresh 
and everywhere beautiful. Like great white rib- 
bons the roads wound their way in and out among 
the hills, even at this distance giving promise of 
smoothness and comfort to those who traveled 
over them. 

Leon never ceased marveling at these wonder- 
ful highways. 

“I never saw such splendid roads,” he ex- 
claimed, turning to Jacques. 

“They are wonderful,” said Jacques simply. 

“They’re certainly fine for motorcycles and au- 
tomobiles. When this war is over I intend to 
come over here again with a motorcycle. ’ ’ 


128 WITH JOFFEE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


‘‘There may be no roads when the war is over/’ 
said Jacques sadly. “Think of the thousands of 
men and horses that are marching over them; 
the hundreds of ammunition and supply wagons ; 
the great guns and all the other things that go 
with an army.” 

“That’s right,” said Leon, “the roads are likely 
to be badly torn up, aren’t they?” 

“I should say so. Just think what some of 
those heavy guns would do to a road in wet 
weather when the ground is soft.” 

“The only way to save them then, as far as I 
can see,” exclaimed Leon, “is to drive the Ger- 
mans out of France as fast as we can. The roads 
will be even more cut up when winter comes and 
the frost gets into the ground.” 

“It’s easier to talk about driving them out 
than it is to do it, I fear. ’ ’ 

“Oh, I don’t know,” laughed Leon. “The Al- 
lies will soon have us with them again and think 
what a help that will be. ’ ’ 

“I hope we’ll soon be with them as you say.” 

“How far are we from Paris now?” 

“Let’s see. How long ago was it when we left 
Arras ? ’ ’ 

“About an hour.” 

“And we flew over Amiens about twenty min- 
utes ago. We should be close to Paris in a very 
short time now.” 


THROUGH THE AIR 


129 


‘ ‘ There ’s a city ahead of us now. What is it U ’ 

‘‘Beauvais, I think. That’s about haR way be- 
tween Amiens and Paris. ’ ’ 

“This is somewhat faster than being on foot, 
I should say,” remarked Leon. “Think of the 
different ways weVe traveled since we left Mons. 
On foot at first, then in a hay wagon, then on 
horseback, then in an automobile, and now in an 
aeroplane. Every one faster than the one pre- 
ceding it. I don’t see what we can do next, do 
you?” 

“I hope we shall need nothing more,” laughed 
Jacques. 

As the aeroplane came closer and closer to Paris 
the spirits of the boys steadily rose. They felt 
that they were nearing the end of their journey 
and they were both impatient to be back in har- 
ness once more. 

“There’s a river ahead!” exclaimed Leon a few 
moments later. 

“That’s the Oise,” replied Jacques. “A few 
miles from here it joius the Seine and flows down 
into the English Channel near Havre.” 

“We must be very near Paris then.” 

“We’re almost in Paris. I’m going to turn 
east here and fly around the city. We haven’t 
seen any troops at all so far and it worries me. 
I say we look around a little before we do any- 
thing else.” 


130 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


‘ ‘ All right, ’ ’ agreed Leon. ^ ‘ You ’re the boss. ’ ’ 

They turned and headed toward the east. To 
their right was Paris, seen dimly in the distance, 
while the two boys in their aeroplane merely 
skirted the suburbs of the great city. Leon kept 
a sharp lookout below him for signs of troops, 
hut he saw none. 

‘‘All the houses are torn dowm,” he exclaimed 
suddenly. 

“What do you measQ?” exclaimed Jacques in 
astonishment. 

“Just what I say: All the houses are torn 
down. Do you suppose the Germans have de- 
stroyed them?” 

“I donT know. Perhaps so. Either that or 
the French tore them down themselves so that the 
buildings would not be in range of their guns. 
There is a big fort three or four miles to our 
right. ’ ’ 

“That must be it,” said Leon. “They don’t 
look as if they had been hit by shells. They are 
razed even with the ground.” 

“We’ve evidently been missing something by 
not being here,” said Jacques anxiously. “I 
hope Paris is still in our hands. ’ ’ 

“I hope it is too. Do you intend to fly all 
the way around the city?” 

“We’ll keep on until we discover something.” 

On they flew steering a course due east. 


THROUGH THE AIR 


131 


‘‘There’s another river,” announced Leon. 

“The Ourcq,” said Jacques. 

“I see smoke too,” cried Leon excitedly. 
“Over toward our right.” 

“Much of it?” 

“I should say so. I believe they’re blowing 
up the whole country. I can hear guns too. 
Jacques, we’re in the thick of it again.” 

“It certainly looks so. Now what we want to 
do is to land among our own troops and not among 
the Germans.” 

“There seem to be two lines. The one on this 
side must be the German. Fly over them, 
Jacques, and we’ll soon find out.” 

“We’ll keep well out of range, too,” said 
Jacques soberly. 

“There’s another river here,” exclaimed Leon. 
“I never saw so many rivers.” 

“That’s the Marne. That joins the Ourcq east 
of Paris. Can you see whether those troops be- 
low are French or German?” 

“They’re Germans,” said Leon. “The others 
are surely French and we ’ll soon be with them. ’ ’ 

The battlefield below them must have been a 
busy place, as both boys agreed. Great masses 
of troops could be seen intrenched, while a cloud 
of smoke hung over all. The great guns belched 
forth a steady stream of shot and shell while the 
roar of it all could be heard even at the height 


132 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


at which the two returning young soldiers were 
flying. 

‘‘I’m going to land now,” announced Jacques, 
when they had reached a spot somewhat in the 
rear of the French lines. 

Down, down, down they went in great easy 
circles. Leon was peering intently over the side 
of the car when suddenly he uttered a startled 
exclamation. 

“They’re firing at us, Jacques!” he cried. 
“Our own troops are firing at us!” 


CHAPTER XV 


THE ABRIVAL AT THE MAENE 

'jrOTJ don’t mean it!” exclaimed Jacques 
in astonishment. ‘‘They can’t be fir- 
JL ing at us.” 

At the same time he unconsciously pulled the 
lever and caused the aeroplane to mount rapidly 
higher and higher into the air. 

‘ ‘ They are shooting at us, just the same, ’ ’ said 
Leon. “We’d better get out of here just as fast 
as we can too. Certainly we can’t land here.” 

“I don’t understand it,” said Jacques, while 
as he spoke the taube rocked slightly and a bul- 
let hole appeared in the tip of one wing. 

“I do,” exclaimed Leon suddenly. “We’re in 
a German aeroplane, Jacques. Why shouldn’t 
they fire at us?” 

“How stupid we are,” cried Jacques disgust- 
edly. “We deserve to be shot for being so care- 
less and so silly.” 

“Well, we stand a good chance all right,” said 
Leon grimly. “There are plenty of people firing 
at us. Every little puff of smoke I see, seems to 

133 


134 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


be aimed directly at us. How soon will we be out 
of range?’’ 

‘Hn about one minute.” 

“Don’t make it any longer.” 

It was an exciting minute that followed. Leon 
could plainly see that they were the target for 
hundreds of guns on the battleline below. As he 
peered anxiously downward he wondered if the 
Allies hadn’t forgotten about the German hosts 
that opposed them. It seemed as if the two boys 
in their aeroplane were the one object the soldiers 
below had made up their minds to destroy. 

Not more than a hundred and fifty feet below 
them a shell exploded. The air was rent by the 
concussion and the force of the explosion caused 
the frail craft they were in suddenly to drop. 
Only the skill and quick wit of the young French- 
man at the wheel saved them from capsizing. 

Both boys’ faces were white and set as they 
struggled for their lives. To Leon it seemed as 
if hours had passed since his comrade had last 
spoken about the minute that must elapse before 
they should be safely out of range. He glanced 
frequently at the bullet hole in the tip of the wing. 
Would this prove their undoing he wondered, as 
the same thing had so nearly done in Belgium a 
short time before? 

The shell that had so nearly caused their de- 
struction had robbed them of some of their head- 


THE AERIVAL AT THE MARNE 135 


way, as well as forced them lower. This meant 
more time before they would be entirely out of 
range, and every second was precious. What a 
horrible ending, thought Leon, to be killed by the 
guns of your own army. 

‘^We’re safe, now, I guess,’’ exclaimed Jacques 
at length. 

Thank goodness,” sighed Leon in great relief. 

‘^Are they still shooting at us?” 

can’t tell. They are quite far behind us 

now.” 

‘‘We’re all right, I’m sure.” 

“Whew, what a narrow escape!” exclaimed 
Leon. “You know, I feel weak after that, and 
I never hope to spend another five minutes like 
the last.” 

‘ ‘ W eren ’t we stupid ? ’ ’ 

“That hardly e^^presses it,” said Leon hotly. 
“We’re fine soldiers, we are, to do a thing like 
that! Just imagine what might have happened to 
us.” 

“Let’s try to forget it. Suppose we should 
reach camp and tell every one what a thing we did. 
Why, we’d never hear the last of it.” 

“And we don’t deserve to, either.” 

“Just think,” said Jacques. “We made our 
way from Belgium right down to Paris, only to 
wind up our journey by the most stupid per- 
formance I have ever heard of. We are the luck- 


136 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


iest people on earth to be alive now, I can tell 
you!’’ 

‘‘Ah, ha, at last you admit we are lucky, do 
you!” 

“This time I do, but our luck almost left us, 
didn’t it!” 

“It certainly did. I never hope to come so 
close again.” 

“Look down,” directed Jacques. “If you 
don’t see any one and if there is a good place 
nearby, we’ll land.” 

“Right beneath us,” exclaimed Leon, after a 
hasty examination of the earth below. 

“Sure there are no troops nearby!” 

“Absolutely.” 

The taube, in response to Jacques’ manipula- 
tions, began to descend. This time there was 
nothing to interfere with their descent and in a 
very few minutes the two young soldiers were 
once more on solid ground. 

“Now what shall we do with the aeroplane!” 
said Leon. 

“I was just thinking of that, and I don’t know 
what we ought to do.” 

“We can’t use it, that’s sure.” 

“Nor could any of our troops use it very well.” 

“It might be very useful in scouting over the 
German army. None of their soldiers would fire 
at it.” 


THE ARKIVAL AT THE MARNE 137 


‘‘I know/^ said Jacques, ^‘but there would be 
too much confusion and risk when returning. I 
think we^d better destroy it.’’ 

‘‘That seems a terrible shame,” protested Leon. 

“I know it does, but what else can we do? If 
it’s of no use to our army we don’t want to run 
any chance of having it fall into the hands of the 
Germans again. I guess we’ll have to burn it 
up.” 

“All right,” Leon agreed. “How are you go- 
ing to do it?” 

“No trouble about that. Have you any 
matches?” 

“Just one,” replied Leon, feeling in all his 
pockets. 

“That’ll do.” 

Jacques quickly unscrewed the top of the gaso- 
line tank. Tearing a strip from his shirt he 
dipped it in the fuel until it was thoroughly sat- 
urated. Then he placed one end of his impro- 
vised fuse in the tank while the other hung loosely 
over the edge. 

“Now we’re ready,” he exclaimed, at the same 
time lighting one end of the strip. 

“We’d better run,” he cried, and both boys 
sprinted at full speed for about forty or fifty 
yards. They stopped then and turned just in 
time to see a great flame burst from the gasoline 
tank and envelope the whole aeroplane. A mo- 


138 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


ment later what was once a beautiful piece of 
machinery had become a twisted mass of junk. 

‘‘That aeroplane was good to us, and I’m sorry 
to see it go, ’ ’ said Leon sadly. 

“Yes, it was too bad, but we did the wisest 
thing, I think.” 

“No doubt of it. Now let’s go back to the 
battle and see what we find.” 

The sound of the firing could be distinctly heard 
as the two boys started off to complete what they 
hoped would be the final stage of their journey. 
A steady rumbling and roaring sound informed 
them that a great battle was raging not far 
away. The earth shook with the force of the 
explosions. 

“How far away are we from the battle?” in- 
quired Leon. 

“About five miles, I should say.” 

“We’ll be there in a little over an hour then, 
won’t we?” 

“I should think so. It’ll be dark before that 
time, too.” 

“What do we care?” laughed Leon. “It may 
be all the better for us anyway. Perhaps they’d 
shoot at us if we came along in the daytime. ’ ’ 

“I can’t get over that trick of ours,” exclaimed 
Jacques. “I hope no one will ask us anything 
about it.” 

“From the sound of that cannonading I should 


THE AEEIVAL AT THE MAENE 139 


say that those people up in front of us had all 
they could attend to on their own account, with- 
out bothering with other people ^s affairs.’’ 

There is certainly a terrible battle going on,” 
exclaimed Jacques. hope our men are win- 
ning. So far everything seems to have been in 
favor of the Germans. Think how far they’ve 
come since we saw them last.” 

‘‘All the way from Belgium.” 

“I should say so. Isn’t that awful?” 

“You notice that the French still have Paris, 
though,” remarked Leon. “I think we’ll drive 
them back yet. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ How did they get ’way down here so quickly ? ’ ’ 

“Easiest thing in the world. They had more 
men than we did, and we couldn’t stop them till 
now. If the Allies have collected some more 
troops in the meantime and can put as many men 
in the field as the Germans have, we ’ll drive them 
back. You wait and see.” 

“There was an army being formed in Paris, 
I know,” said Jacques. 

“Do you know,” exclaimed Leon, “that just 
before we crossed the Ourcq Eiver I thought I 
saw a great mass of men off to our right? They 
seemed to be coming from Paris. Do you sup- 
pose that could be the army you just mentioned?” 

“I don’t know, but I shouldn’t be surprised 
if it was.” 


140 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


Let’s hope they do their part,” said Leon 
earnestly. 

The two young soldiers were walking briskly 
along the road in the direction of the battle. 
Louder and louder sounded the roar of the artil- 
lery as they came nearer and nearer. Uncon- 
sciously the two boys quickened their pace and 
hastened forward. The smell of powder and 
smoke came faintly to their nostrils and acted 
as a spur to their tired feet 

Neither one thought of food as they walked 
rapidly forward in the gathering darkness. The 
roar of battle was in their ears and the desire 
to be in it was in their hearts. 

‘‘Well soon he there, I’m glad to say,” re- 
marked Leon. 

“Yes, and we must report, the first thing we 
do.” 

“Where shall we report?” 

“At headquarters, of course. You didn’t ex- 
pect to go right out in the trenches now, did 
you?” 

“Why, I had thought something of doing that,” 
laughed Leon. “I guess I don’t know as much 
about military matters as I should.” 

“Don’t let that worry you,” said Jacques re- 
assuringly. “You know all that’s necessary for 
your work.” 


THE AERIVAL AT THE MARNE 141 


‘‘What is my official standing anyway? Da 
you know?^^ 

“YouVe a scout. At first you were attached 
to the aviation corps, and you may be again for 
all I know. You ^11 probably be kept as a scout 
anyway, though this time it may be with the 
cavalry. ’ ’ 

“That wouldn^t be so bad,’’ Leon remarked.. 
“Still I think I’d rather be in the aviators’ divi- 
sion.” 

“Perhaps all the aeroplanes are destroyed by 
now, or there may not be enough left to go around. 
We may both get a new job.” 

“Well, I don’t care much, though I do hope- 
things will be arranged so that we can be together. 
I’d feel lost without you now, Jacques.” 

“That feeling is mutual,” replied the young 
Frenchman simply, and Leon could detect a slight, 
catch in his comrade’s voice as he spoke. 

For some time they remained silent as they 
cautiously proceeded. In fact the roar of the 
battle made conversation difficult. The rattle of 
musketry could be heard frequently during a lull 
in the firing of the heavy guns and mortars. 

“We ought to strike the outposts in a minute,” 
exclaimed Jacques, making himself heard with 
difficulty. 

Hardly had he spoken when they came in sight. 


142 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


of the battlefield. It was so dark that it was im- 
possible to see all that was occurring, but the 
flash of firing from all sides made it very evident 
that the fight was being carried on in deadly 
earnest. 

It was a fascinating yet terrible sight and both 
boys stopped short and looked on in amazement. 
All along a line extending a seemingly indefi- 
nite distance the French troops were posted. 
The heavy artillery kept up a constant cannonade, 
but the fire of the smaller guns seemed to be 
slackening. 

‘‘The fighting is slowing down, now that night 
is coming on,” said Jacques. 

“Well, no human beings could keep up much 
longer the pace set here a while ago,” replied 
Leon. “I should think the noise would drive the 
men in the trenches crazy, if it didn’t stop once in 
a while.” 

“Some do lose their minds,” said Jacques, as 
he once more started to walk forward. “Come 
on, Leon ! ” he called. 

They made their way slowly toward the battle- 
line and the place where just ahead of them they 
could see that the supply wagons were stationed. 
At least, they supposed this to be the case, for it 
was too dark to see distinctly. 

Perhaps they had covered twenty or twenty- 
five yards when the figure of a man suddenly 


THE AERIVAL AT THE MARNE 143 


loomed up out of the darkness and a moment later 
the two boys were looking into the barrel of a 
long rifle, to the end of which was attached a 
gleaming bayonet. 


CHAPTER XVI 


UNDEK SUSPICION 

SHARP challenge was flung at them 
through the darkness. 



JL JL It was in French, and both boys in- 
stantly heaved a sigh of relief. At last they were 
back among the Allies and their troubles were 
over. How little did they suspect what was in 
store for them. 

“Who are you!^’ questioned the sentinel 
sharply. 

“We have just rejoined the army,’’ replied 
Jacques, speaking in his own tongue, far evidently 
the sentry understood no other. 

“Why were you absent from it?” 

“We became separated from our regiment in 
Belgium, and have just succeeded in forcing our 
way back.” 

“You have no uniforms on,” said the guard 
suspiciously. 

“We were in the aviation corps. We did not 
wear the regulation uniform, and the clothes we 
had are now in rags.” 

“You’d better tell your story to the officer in 


144 


UNDEE SUSPICION 


145 


charge,’^ said the guard. ‘‘Come along with me, 
both of you.’’ 

Walking in front of the sentry the two young 
soldiers obediently made their way. Their cap- 
tor marched behind them and directed their 
course. 

“What’s the trouble!” asked Leon, who had 
understood nothing of what had passed between 
Jacques and the soldier. 

“He suspects we are spies or — ” 

‘ ‘ Silence there ! ’ ’ commanded the guard sharply. 

The boys quickly obeyed and no further words 
were spoken by them until they arrived at their 
destination. This proved to be a country house, 
about a half mile distant, in which headquarters 
had been established. 

The two young captives were led inside, de- 
prived of their weapons and then locked in a near- 
by room. Outside, sentries could be observed 
walking regularly up and down in front of the 
house. 

“This is a nice fix,” exclaimed Leon, flinging 
himself down upon a chair at one end of the room. 

“I should say it was. I must say I never ex- 
pected to be captured and held as a spy by my 
own army.” 

“That sentinel was a fool,” said Leon hotly. 
“He ought to^have known enough to realize that 
we are all right. Do we look like spies!” 


146 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


‘^Well, I donT know/’ laughed Jacques. ‘Hf 
I look like you I might be taken for almost any- 
thing.” 

‘ ‘ You ’re not very beautiful, ’ ’ said Leon. ‘ ‘ Per- 
haps we do look suspicious. Still, I don’t be- 
lieve we’ll have any trouble in proving who we 
are, do you ? ’ ’ 

^ ‘ How are we to prove it T ’ 

don’t know, but I don’t see how we can help 
it. Maybe we’ll see some one we know. I’m not 
worried anyway. I think it is a good joke.” 

hope it turns out that way,” said Jacques. 
^‘Anyway, there’s no use in worrying. I think 
I’ll take a little nap here until they call us again. 
No man can tell when that will be.” 

‘^A good idea,” exclaimed Leon; and both boys 
were preparing to stretch themselves upon the big 
double bed that occupied part of their room, when 
the door opened and a soldier summoned them to 
follow him. 

Down the hall of the great country house they 
went, until they came to the end. Here they 
turned to the right and were ushered into what 
was manifestly used as the dining room. 

Several officers were seated about a table from 
which the dishes evidently had just been removed. 
The men were studying maps and glanced up 
quickly as the two young prisoners were led be- 
fore them. A short conversation ensued between 


UNDER SUSPICION 147 

the guard and the gray-haired officer who was 
apparently in command. 

^‘You are under suspicion of being German 
spies/’ said the officer sternly, turning to the two 
young soldiers who now were standing before 
him. ‘‘What have you to say for yourselves!” 

Jacques acted as spokesman. As a matter of 
fact it would have been impossible for Leon to 
undertake that duty, speaking only a little 
French as he did. 

“We are both enlisted in the French army,” 
said Jacques. “We were in the fighting in Bel- 
gium and after the battle at Mons became sep- 
arated from our regiment. We have just suc- 
ceeded in making our way down here.” 

“You came all the way from Belgium!” in- 
quired the officer skeptically. 

“Yes, sir,” replied Jacques. 

“Is your friend here French!” asked the officer. 

“He is an American, who enlisted in the French 
army while he was in Belgium soon after the war 
broke out.” 

“He looks like a German,” remarked their 
questioner. “Tell me how you made your way 
from Belgium here so easily, ’ ’ he went on. 

“My friend here was wounded at Mons,” be- 
gan Jacques. “He was in the hospital there and 
when he was discharged he started out on foot 
to rejoin his regiment. I had been separated 


148 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


from my division and also was stranded. On the 
outskirts of Mons we met by accident. 

‘‘That sounds unlikely,’^ sniffed the officer. 
“Don’t go into details in your story. Tell me 
how you happened to be here in the rear of the 
French lines if you came from Belgium. How 
did you manage to get around our forces and ap- 
proach us from this side?” 

“We didn’t go ’round the lines. We came over 
them. ’ ’ 

“Over them?” 

“Yes,” replied Jacques. “We flew over in an 
aeroplane.” 

The officer laughed heartily at this. “I sup- 
pose,” he said, “that you’ll tell me next that you 
were in that German taube that sailed over us 
this afternoon.” 

“That’s just where we were,” exclaimed 
Jacques quickly. 

“Look here, young man,” said the officer 
sharply. “I don’t propose to have you make fun 
of me, and if you expect me to believe any such 
ridiculous statement as the one you just made, 
you are wrong.” 

“But I am telling you the truth,” protested 
Jacques. 

“Very well, then,” sneered the officer. 

‘ ‘ Kindly tell me where you got the aeroplane and 
how you happened to be able to run it. ’ ’ 


UNDER SUSPICION 


149 


‘‘We captured tlie taube near Douai from two 
German aviators. They had landed in a field next 
to some woods in which we were hiding. We 
caught one of them and bound him, and the other 
one we shot, wounding him in the shoulder. We 
appropriated the aeroplane and started for Paris. 
That was late this morning and here we are. I 
happened to know how to run the machine because 
that is my business. I am a member of the avia- 
tors’ division, attached to the twentieth army 
corps of the French army.” 

During this recital the officers gathered about 
the table had looked at the speaker in amazement. 
Jacques told his story in such a straightforward 
way, however, that evidently some of the listen- 
ers were inclined to believe he was speaking the 
truth. 

The appearance of the two young soldiers was 
so ragged and unkempt that, as Jacques had 
previously remarked, they might be taken for al- 
most anything. In war times an army must pro- 
tect itself to the fullest extent of its power also, 
and no chances are taken. Naturally the officers 
were careful. 

The officer in charge looked at Jacques search- 
ingly. “I hope you are telling the truth, young 
man,” he said, “for if you are not, it will go hard 
with you and your companion. This is no time 
for fooling, you know.” 


150 WITH JOFFEE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


“I swear I am telling only the exact truth, in- 
sisted Jacques. 

^^What is your nameF’ 

Before Jacques had a chance to reply there was 
a commotion at the door and all the officers at 
the table sprang to their feet. The two boys 
turned their heads to observe the cause of this 
fresh excitement and beheld an elderly man with 
white hair and a white mustache enter the room 
accompanied by two aides. He wore the shoulder 
straps of a general and as he walked forward 
every one saluted. 

His sharp eyes swept the room and every one 
in it. Then he turned to the officer who had been 
questioning the boys. 

‘‘Good evening, Colonel,’^ he said. “What is 
happening here ? ^ ^ 

‘ ‘ These two young men were brought in by the 
guard and are suspected of being spies. We were 
questioning them. ’ ’ 

The general looked at the two young men 
keenly. 

“Tell me your story,’’ he said. 

Jacques once more related the story of their 
adventures from the time they left Mens until 
they arrived at the Marne. He did not elaborate 
on the story, but neither did he leave out any- 
thing. 


UNDER SUSPICION 151 

‘ ^ That is all, ’ ’ he remarked simply when he had 
finished. 

The general for a moment was silent and 
thoughtful. ‘‘Nothing you have related is im- 
possible,’^ he said, “and yet it is a thrilling tale. 
What is your name, young man?” 

‘ ‘ J acques Dineau. ” 

“Jacques Dineau,” repeated the general. 
“That name sounds familiar to me, and yet I 
can’t seem to place it exactly.” 

“I have been in the army four years, your ex- 
cellency,” said Jacques. 

“Where did you serve?” 

“First in Morocco, then here in France. Upon 
my return from Africa, over two years ago, I was 
detailed to the aviation corps and have been there 
ever since.” 

The general appeared to be trying to think of 
something that had escaped his memory. The 
other officers regarded him curiously, for it was 
evidently not his custom to concern himself with 
every suspect in this manner. Leon was at. a 
loss to understand what was happening about him, 
and he wondered who this distinguished looking 
man, whom every one seemed to respect so thor- 
oughly, could be. 

“You say you were in the fighting at Mens?” 
questioned the general. 


152 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


‘‘Yes, General,’^ replied Jacques. 

The general’s face suddenly lighted up. “Did 
not you and a comrade save a French flag from 
capture!” he asked quickly. 

“I had that honor,” answered Jacques, blush- 
ing deeply at the mention of his heroism. “I and 
my companion here.” 

“I knew I had heard your name,” exclaimed 
the general. “A full account of your deed, to- 
gether with a recommendation for promotion were 
handed me. I am glad to meet two such brave 
young soldiers,” and he shook hands warmly with 
both Jacques and Leon. 

“You are an American, I hear,” said the gen- 
eral, addressing Leon in excellent English. 

“Yes, General,” replied Leon, saluting. 

“Well sir, I want to thank you for your de- 
voted service to us in these troublesome times. 
We are proud to have such soldiers in our army.” 

Leon, who had caught but little of what had 
been said, did not know the reason for this dem- 
onstration and merely blushed and stammered 
in reply. 

“Now, Colonel,” said the general, turning once 
more to the officer who had first questioned the 
boys, “I don’t imagine you want to detain these 
young men any longer. ’ ’ 

“I should say not,” was the hearty reply, and 
at once, not only the colonel but all the officers 


UNDER SUSPICION 153 

in the room came forward and cordially shook 
hands with both boys. 

‘‘Where do you expect to sleep to-night asked 
the colonel, after this small reception was at an 
end. The general who was responsible for their, 
release was now busily engaged in conversation 
with several officers at the opposite end of the 
room. Dispatches were being handed to him and 
he was busy poring over a huge map spread out 
in front of him. 

“IVe no idea,’^ said Jacques. 

“Idl see that you are kept here,’^ said the colo- 
nel, and summoning an orderly he gave a few 
short directions. 

The boys were led back into the room from 
which a short time before they had been brought 
as prisoners. Here they were to spend the night 
and both boys looked longingly at the big soft bed, 
the first one that they had a chance to sleep in 
for some time. 

Clean night clothes were provided for them and 
the orderly then withdrew. 

“How I do expect to sleep to-night exclaimed 
Leon. “By the way, who was that general who 
was talking to us and who got us off! 

“Don’t you know!” 

“No, of course I don’t.” 

“That was General Joffre,” said Jacques 
quietly. 


CHAPTER XVn 


AT HEADQUARTERS 

W HEN Jacques had told Leon all that 
General Joffre had said, the young 
American became so excited that in 
spite of his weariness he had great difficulty in 
falling asleep. 

To think that he had been personally congratu- 
lated by the commander-in-chief of the Western 
Allied armies! What a story that would make 
when he reached home again. How envious his 
friends would be. He wished his brother, Earl, 
could hear of his good fortune. And what would 
his uncle in Paris say? Leon almost laughed 
aloud as he thought of him. ‘‘He’ll think I’m 
about the greatest man in the whole world,” Leon 
said to himself. 

Then he remembered what J acques had told him 
about promotion. Suppose he were to be made a 
lieutenant, or should be decorated with the Legion 
of Honor. It all seemed too wonderful to be true, 
and when Leon finally fell asleep he dreamed all 
night long of heroic deeds and crowds of cheering 

154 


AT HEADQUARTERS 155 

people acclaiming him as he rode through the 
streets of Paris in his triumphal carriage. 

Both boys awoke in the morning greatly re- 
freshed. At first they could not recall where they 
were, nor how they came to be there. 

The sounds of distant cannonading, however, 
recalled them to their senses. 

^‘You know,^’ remarked Leon, ‘‘I think those 
guns sound farther away than they did last 
night. ’ ’ 

‘‘Yes, I think they do,” agreed Jacques, listen- 
ing intently. 

“Perhaps we’re driving the Germans back.” 

“Maybe they’re nearer Paris.” 

“The only thing to do is to get up and find 
out, ’ ’ exclaimed Leon, springing out of bed as he 
spoke. “Come on, Jacques.” 

“Oh, I hate to leave this bed,” sighed Jacques, 
slowly following his friend’s example. 

A bathroom adjoined their bedroom and soon 
the two young soldiers were preparing for a 
plunge. A long time had elapsed since they had 
been able to indulge in such a luxury and it was 
consequently appreciated all the more on that 
account. 

Returning to their bedroom they found there a 
soldier waiting for them. He had brought them 
new uniforms and a complete change of clothes, 
so that they were soon equipped better than ever 


156 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


before. Ab soon as they had dressed, they sal- 
lied forth and obtained breakfast. This accom- 
plished, they were at a loss as to what they should 
next do. 

“We ought to report,’’ said Jacques, “but I 
don’t know where to do it.” 

“Aren’t we at headquarters now!” 

“I think we are, but to whom ought we to go? 
Do you know?” 

“I have no idea.” 

“Well, we’d better find out at once. Let’s look 
around.” 

“Down this way first,” suggested Leon, and the 
two young soldiers started to walk down the wide 
hall of the house. 

They had gone but a short distance when they 
met the colonel who had questioned them the night 
before. They saluted and he stopped. 

“I want to see you two young men,” he said 
pleasantly. “Where were you going?” 

“We want to report,” replied Jacques, “but 
we don’t know where to go.” 

“That is what I wanted to talk to you about,” 
said the colonel. “You are to report to me at 
noon to-day, in the same room in which we were 
last evening.” 

The officer immediately passed on down the 
hall, leaving the two boys to their own devices. 

“Well,” exclaimed Leon, after Jacques had de- 


157 


AT HEADQUARTEE8 

livered this message to him, ‘^what are we going 
to do until noon! That’s a long time off.” 

‘^Suppose we look around the house here for a 
while. ’ ’ 

‘‘Won’t we be ordered out if we do?” 

“Ordered out of the house do you mean!” 

“Yes,” said Leon. “I thought maybe they 
wouldn’t care to have us prowling around head- 
quarters when a big battle is going on.” 

“All right then, we’ll go outside and see what 
is to be seen there. ’ ’ 

They sauntered down the hall and out to the 
broad veranda of the chateau. Broad lawns 
stretched away in front of the house, with great 
trees scattered here and there upon them. White 
driveways wound around the grassy stretches, 
and through a distant gate occasional glimpses of 
a garden could be had. 

Everywhere bustle and activity were manifest. 
Automobiles raced in and out of the grounds, men 
on horseback galloped hither and thither, while 
noisy motorcycles buzzed incessantly back and 
forth. Every one, except our two young soldiers, 
seemed to be in a hurry and to have plenty to do. 
They were apparently the only idlers on the 
scene. 

‘ ‘ What a sight this is ! ” exclaimed Leon. ‘ ‘ Did 
you ever see such activity?” 

“Great things are happening,” replied Jacques, 


158 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


‘‘and it keeps a good many men busy to see that 
everything is run in the right way.’’ 

“It certainly seems to,” agreed Leon. “I sup- 
pose General Joffre is even busier where he is 
than these people are here. ’ ’ 

“There is no question about that, I guess.” 

“My!” exclaimed Leon. “I’d like to be out 
there on the battlefield with him now.” 

“On the battlefield?” 

“Why, of course. Where else would he be?” 

‘ ‘ Look here, Leon, ’ ’ said Jacques. ‘ ‘ Don ’t fool 
yourself for a minute. General Joffre is not out 
on the battlefield. He is right in this house.” 

“What do you mean by saying that?” 

“Just what I say. He is in this house.” 

“What is he doing here?” demanded Leon, 
much surprised at his comrade’s statement. 
“Why isn’t he out where he can see what is going 
on?” 

“Because this is the place for him to be. On 
the battlefield he couldn’t see what is going on. 
Here he knows everything that happens. ’ ’ 

“How does he?” 

“Upstairs in that room,” said Jacques, point- 
ing as he spoke, “there is a great big map. That 
map has on it every road, canal, railway, river, 
hill, clump of trees, valley, swamp, bridge and 
everything else you can think of that is in the dis- 
trict covered by the battles. ’ ’ 


AT HEADQUARTERS 


159 


‘‘That canT show him where the troops are, 
though,’’ insisted Leon. “They are changing 
positions all the time and he can’t possibly follow 
them.” 

“You ’re wrong again, ’ ’ laughed Jacques. ‘ ‘ Let 
me tell you something. Besides the map, there 
is a wonderful collection of waxheaded pins. 
They are of all different colors and sizes and in- 
dicate the different kinds of troops. These pins 
are placed in the map and show exactly where each 
division is stationed. ’ ’ 

“That’s wonderful,” exclaimed Leon, “but how 
can they tell just where each division is at a cer- 
tain time? I should think they’d shift so quickly 
that it would be impossible to keep the map up 
to date.” 

“Not at all. The room is full of telephones and 
there is a telegraph too. Besides the regular kind 
there is also a wireless. Then the spies and avia- 
tors are constantly bringing in reports. You’ll 
find that that map is as accurate as anything could 
possibly be under the circumstances.” 

“Who attends to all that?” 

“You mean the map?” 

“Yes. Who changes the pins? General Jof- 
fre?” 

“No,” said Leon. “General Bertholet, and his 
aides have charge of that. It is his duty to keep 
the map in such shape that at any hour of the day 


160 WITH JOFFEE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


or night General Joffre may look at it and abso- 
lutely rely upon it.’^ 

‘‘Who is General Bertholet?^’ 

“He is Chief of Staff.’’ 

“I should think he had a pretty hard job,” re- 
marked Leon thoughtfully. “You say he has to 
have the map ready for inspection even in the 
middle of the night?” 

“Why, of course.” 

“I don’t see how one man can direct all that. 
When does he get any sleep?” 

“He lives in his pajamas most of the time, 
they say. He may be asleep when suddenly the 
telephone will ring. General Bertholet jumps out 
of bed, wide awake instantly. He learns over the 
telephone that a battle is about to commence and 
that the Germans are attacking in a certain place. ’ ’ 

“Who is it that telephones to him?” inquired 
Leon. 

“Why, some man on the battlefield, or near 
enough to it for him to know just what is going 
on in that particular place.” 

“Where does he find a telephone on the battle- 
field?” persisted Leon. “I suppose there must 
be a telephone girl and a private booth out there. ’ ’ 

“Don’t be silly, Leon,” protested Jacques. 

“I don’t see how it’s done, that’s all.” 

“Why, every army has a field telephone. It is 
connected with headquarters and is carried right 


161 


AT HEADQUARTERS 

up to the battle line. Each division of the army 
has a telephone so that at headquarters they re- 
ceive reports immediately of any change that 
takes place m the fight.’’ 

‘‘That is wonderful, isn’t it!” 

“Yes, and I started to tell you how it all works,” 
said Jacques. “You interrupted me before I had 
a chance, however.” 

“I am sorry,” said Leon. “Go ahead and I 
won’t stop you again.” 

“Well,” went on Jacques, “suppose General 
Bertholet gets a report that the Germans are at- 
tacking a certain division and also that they have 
numbers superior to the French. The general in 
command of that division wants reenforcements 
at once. Very well. General Bertholet knows 
that five or ten miles in back of that particular 
division are quartered several thousand reserves. 
He also learns from the pins on the map that a 
number of autobuses are near the reserves. He 
immediately gives orders that these reserves shall 
proceed with four batteries of 75-millimeter ar- 
tillery, ten machine guns and three squadrons of 
cavalry to reenforce the division that is in need 
of aid. Before ten minutes have elapsed several 
thousand reenforcements are on their way to the 
front.” 

“It sounds simple enough,” said Leon. 

“It is simple when you understand how it 


162 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


works. Everything is done right from here; 
every one knows his business and there is no con- 
fusion/^ 

‘‘Let me ask you something,’’ exclaimed Leon. 
“You said General Bertholet learned from the 
pins that there were autobuses nearby. I thought 
you said the pins indicated troops.” 

‘ ‘ So they do. They indicate autobuses too, and 
almost every other thing you could possibly men- 
tion. Why, they even show the size of the guns 
and the kind of ammunition used in them.” 

“General Bertholet must have to keep very 
familiar with everything on the map.” 

“That hardly expresses it,” laughed Jacques. 
“He probably knows that map as well as he does 
his own face.” 

“Yet it must be constantly changing.” 

“It certainly is. Every time a bridge is blown 
up or a pontoon thrown across a stream or a food 
convoy changes position. General Bertholet shifts 
the pins on the map.” 

“When does he sleep or eat?” inquired Leon. 

“Whenever he can. I told you he lived in his 
pajamas most of the time, and between battles he 
tries to get a little rest. He is up and down pretty 
much all the time. I guess he eats the same way 
he sleeps and that is whenever he can find two 
minutes when he is able to stay away from his 
map. ’ ’ 


163 


AT HEADQUAETERS 

‘‘It must be good fun, though.’’ 

“I imagine the men in charge don’t think it’s 
much ‘fun.’ A business as serious as war can’t 
have a great deal of ‘fun’ in it. Everything has 
to be absolutely accurate, too. Just think, one 
mistake in that room up there might cause the de- 
feat of the whole army.” 

“That’s right,” agreed Leon, “and think of 
how big an area has to be covered all the time. 
How long is the battle line now? Do you know?” 

“Nearly two hundred miles, I heard some one 
say.” 

‘ ‘ What ! ’ ’ exclaimed Leon. ‘ ‘ As long as that ? ’ ’ 

“It extends all the way from Paris to Alsace,” 
said Jacques. “It is a crooked line, too, running 
through Chalons, Verdun, Nancy and down al- 
most to Luneville. That must cover two hundred 
miles easily.” 

“It does if you say so,” said Leon. “Those 
places you mentioned don’t mean anything to me. 
I know one thing, though, and that is, that I’d 
like to be out on that line somewhere right now.” 

“What time is it?” 

“About quarter to twelve,” replied Leon, con- 
sulting his watch. 

“We’ll go and report then. Perhaps after we 
have received our orders we may find ourselves 
on the firing line only too soon.” 


CHAPTEE XVIII 


IN THE TRENCHES 

P EOMPTLY at noon the two young soldiers 
presented themselves at the door of the 
room where the night before they had been 
cross-examined. They were soon admitted and 
were greeted pleasantly by their new friend, the 
colonel. 

''Are you young men ready to go back to 
workr’ he asked. 

"Indeed, we are,’’ replied Jacques. "It was 
for that very purpose that we have tried so hard 
to make our way here from Belgium.” 

"Very well,” agreed the colonel, smiling at the 
young soldiers’ enthusiasm. "Your regiment is 
with the twentieth army corps and is now at Bar 
le Due. I suppose you would rather be with your 
old regiment than any other.” 

"Yes,” replied Jacques, "unless you want us 
somewhere else.” 

"I had hoped to keep you here,” said the 
colonel. "You did such splendid work in Bel- 
gium as scouts that I wanted to use you for that 
same purpose now. It could not be arranged just 

164 


IN THE TRENCHES 


165 


at the present time, however, so I can give you 
your choice. I can send you wherever you wish 
to go.’’ 

‘‘We’d rather go hack to our own regiment 
under the circumstances, I’m sure,” said Jacques. 
“When do we start?” 

“You seem eager to be off,” smiled the colo- 
nel. 

“We have been away a long time. Colonel,” 
said Jacques. “We are anxious to be back in 
the center of things once more.” 

“That is the right spirit,” exclaimed the colonel 
rising. “Here are orders for you to secure full 
equipment and you will be notified shortly at what 
time a troop train will take yau to the front.” 

The conversation was evidently at an end. 
The boys saluted and turned toward the door 
when the colonel called them back. 

“I nearly forgot one thing,” he said. “Both 
of you young men have been recommended far 
decoration for bravery. I hope that very soon I 
shall be able to send word to you that the formal- 
ity of granting you this honor is over. ’ ’ 

The colonel bent to his work once more, leaving 
the two young soldiers standing in the center of 
the room, their heads swimming. As they walked 
out of the door it almost seemed to them that they 
were walking on air. 

“What do you think about that?” exclaimed 


166 WITH JOFFEE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


Jacques-, when he had translated the colonel’s 
words to Leon. 

“I don’t believe it’s true,” said Leon. ‘‘I’m 
sure you must be dreaming. ’ ’ 

“No such thing. I repeated his very words to 
you.” 

“Well, then,” exclaimed Leon, “all I can say 
is that I feel more important than any other man 
in France. Look at me^ Jacques. Has my head 
grown any larger ? ” 

“I think not,” laughed Jacques. “I’m sure 
mine has, though.” 

“How about our luck now?” queried Leon. 
“Will you agree with me now that we are blessed 
with good fortune? I haven’t mentioned the sub- 
ject for some time, but I don’t see how you can 
possibly dispute it any more. ’ ’ 

“I don’t intend to. I think it is true and I am 
hoping as hard as I can that our luck will never 
forsake us.” 

“Shall we give three cheers for ourselves?” 

“We’d better get our equipment before we do 
anything else,” laughed Jacques. 

In a short time the two young soldiers were 
fully fitted out for service at the front. Each 
carried a rifle and wore a cartridge belt about his 
waist. A blanket was slung over his shoulder and 
the boys appeared very much like the many other 
thousands of French soldiers. In their uniforms 


IN THE TRENCHES 


167 


the privates seemed to be many editions of the 
same man, and at a short distance it was next to 
impossible to distinguish one from another. 

An hour later they were seated in a compart- 
ment of one of the little French railway carriages, 
bound for the front. Four other men were in the 
.same compartment and they were a happy-go- 
lucky lot. To see them one might think they were 
starting for a holiday instead of for a battle. 
They were light-hearted, they sang and laughed 
and joked and appeared to be in the best of spirits. 
Leon commented on this fact to his comrade who 
had been conversing with the other men. 

^ ‘ One reason why they seem so happy is because 
the Germans have been driven back from Paris,” 
said Jacques. 

“What do you mean?” exclaimed Leon excit- 
edly. 

“Just what I say. One of these men just gave 
me the news and he declares it is true. He says 
that when the Germans came almost up to the city, 
the army of Paris came flying out, and attacking' 
the invaders on their right wing, compelled them 
to retreat.^’ 

“Isn^t that wonderful?” cried Leon. “Where 
did this army of Paris attack from and when did 
all this happen?’*’ 

“They came across the Ourcq River and at- 
tacked the flank of the Germans who were facing 


168 WITH JOFFEE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


on the Marae. This took place late yesterday, I 
understand. ^ ’ 

Those must have been the troops I saw, then,’’ 
said Leon. Don’t you remember I said I saw 
a large body of soldiers just before we crossed the 
Ourcq? They looked to me as if they were com- 
ing from Paris.” 

‘‘Probably you’re right,” Jacques agreed. 
“Anyway, Paris is saved.” 

“You said there weren’t enough Germans in the 
world to take it,” said Leon. 

“I did, and I was right. The last reports, so 
this man says, were that the German army was on 
the run. We had their right wing caught between 
two divisions of our troops. These two divisions 
began to close in like a pair of scissors ready to 
cut, and when General von Kluck saw that his 
army was the thing that was going to be cut, you 
can be sure he didn’t waste any time in getting 
out of the way of harm. ’ ’ 

“Who is General von Kluck?” 

“He is in command of the German right wing. 
It was the route taken by his army that we fol- 
lowed all the way from Belgium. ’ ’ 

“Is that so?” exclaimed Leon. “You say he 
is out of danger now, though?” 

“No, I don’t think so. He is retreating rap- 
idly and we are pressing him hard on all sides, 
ns I understand it.” 


IN THE TRENCHES 


169 


hope we’re in time for some of the fun.” 

‘‘Ah, but where we are going the German lines 
are holding, I believe.” 

“Wait till we get there, though,” laughed 
Leon. “By the way,” he continued, “I’d like to 
send a post card or something to my mother and 
father in America. I don’t suppose I can get 
such a thing, though.” 

“I have two. I got them just before we left, 
one for you and one for me. I also want to send 
a word to my old parents. We’ll just about have 
tim?e before the train arrives at Bar le Due to 
write them.” 

There was but one pencil and Leon insisted that 
his comrade should use it first. When Jacques 
had finished, the train was almost pulling into the 
station at their destination. Leon wrote, “Am 
well and happy. Have just learned that I am to 
be decorated for bravery,” and then the train 
came to a halt. The conductor promised to mail 
their cards; the men quickly detrained and fell 
into line with the rest of the troops that had ar- 
rived with them. 

They were at once marched to camp and were 
soon settled. No further orders were given at the 
time and the men prepared for supper. 

“Do you remember when we woke up this 
morning that I said the firing sounded farther 
away?” remarked Leon, as he and Jacques were 


170 WITH JOFFEE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


seated on the ground eating their simple hut 
hearty meal. 

‘‘Yes, and evidently you were right. The Ger- 
man right wing began to retreat last evening, so 
by this morning the fighting was some distance 
further north. At last the Allies have taken the 
offensive.” 

“And I hope,” exclaimed Leon, “that they 
won’t give it up until the Germans are driven out 
of France and Belgium. Pretty soon we may be 
invading Germany and perhaps we’ll be in Berlin 
in a few weeks.” 

“I’m afraid not,” smiled Jacques. “We may 
be there some day, but I think not in a few weeks. 
It is my opinion that the fighting will be in France 
for a long time to come. The Germans will en- 
trench themselves at every point and it will be a 
big piece of work to drive them out,” 

“But you think we can do it, don’t you?” 

‘ ‘ I think we ’ll win, of course. But I ’m not fool- 
ing myself into thinking it will be any easy thing 
to do.” 

“I wish they’d give us a chance to try it, just 
the same,” said Leon eagerly. “Now that we’re 
back at the front I want to get into action. I 
don’t like this idleness and just sitting around 
camp.” 

“You wait a few days,” cautioned Jacques. 
“By that time you’ll wish you had a chance to sit 


IN THE TRENCHES 


171 


around camp and do nothing. You’ll find life in 
the trenches is no fun after you’ve had a good 
taste of it” 

‘‘Perhaps that’s so,” Leon agreed. “The way 
I feel now, however, is that I want to get right out 
on the battle line and get down to business.” 

As he finished speaking a bugle sounded. It 
was the call to arms and immediately soldiers 
came hurrying from all directions. 

Jacques and Leon were among the first to ar- 
rive and were soon in line, awaiting orders. The 
plan was to relieve the men in the trenches with 
fresh troops. By working in relays this way it 
was found that better results were obtained. The 
soldiers were given a rest between fights and a 
comparatively fresh body of men was always 
maintained near the battle line. 

It was late in the afternoon now, or rather early 
evening, and darkness was just beginning to fall. 
The order to march was given and the troops 
moved forward. Silently and swiftly they went, 
every man eager and determined. 

An artillery duel was going on between the op- 
posing forces. The firing had slackened some- 
what in the last half hour, but this was no sign 
that the fighting was to be discontinued during the 
night. In fact, night attacks were favorite de- 
vices of both sides. Oftentimes large bodies of 
troops would steal up under cover of darkness to 


172 WITH JOFFBE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


a place within a few yards of the opposing 
trenches. Then, with a last mad rush, they occa- 
sionally caught the enemy completely unprepared 
for their fierce bayonet charges. 

Several batteries of heavy guns, concealed 
under the brow of a hill or by a clump of trees, 
were passed on the way to the trenches. The 
firing squads were scorched and blackened by 
their work, but they were cheerful and waved 
their hands enthusiastically to their comrades as 
they passed by on their way to the trenches. 

The reenforcements soon arrived at the front 
and the men who had been there for many hours 
were ordered to fall back. This they did reluc- 
tantly, for although they were well nigh exhausted 
by their long hours of fighting they were eager to 
stay and continue it. 

‘‘Well, here you are,” exclaimed Jacques, as he 
and Leon took their places. “Is it as nice as you 
thought it was going to be ? ” 

“The trenches aren’t very comfortable, but I 
wouldn’t mind that part of it if there was only 
something going on. I hate this sitting around. ’ ’ 
“So do I, but we can’t always have what we 
want. Something is apt to start at any minute. 
That is one thing that keeps you al^ ; you never 
can tell when we may be attacked or when we our- 
selves may be ordered to attack. ’ ’ 

“What’s going on now!” exclaimed Leon. 


IN THE TRENCHES 173 

‘‘What is that officer saying back there? He 
seems to be making some sort of a speech.” 

“He wants volunteers to go forward and recon- 
noiter the enemy ^s trenches,” said Jacques, after 
listening intently for a moment to what the officer 
was saying. 

“When does he want them to go?” 

“Right now.” 

“Come along, Jacques,” exclaimed Leon, 
springing up. “You and I will go.” 

“If they’ll let us, we will,” agreed Jacques, 
quickly following Leon’s example. 

They walked quickly to the place where the 
officer was standing and offered their services. 
Scores of others also presented themselves, but 
Leon and Jacques were the first to apply. Every 
man among the scores of volunteers insisted that 
he should be the one selected for the dangerous 
task. The officer smiled proudly as he saw the 
eagerness of his soldiers. 

“I want only three men, ’ ’ he said. ‘ ‘ I will take 
the first three to apply.” 

Consequently Leon and Jacques were chosen 
and with them a young Frenchman whom Jacques 
knew and with whom he had served in Morocco. 

“I want you men to find out all you can about 
what is going on in the German lines,” said the 
officer. “You are not to expose yourselves un- 
necessarily, but I want all the information I can 


174 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


get. Find out if they are preparing to advance 
or fall back, or what ; in fact, everything you can. ’ ’ 

Without a word the three volunteers turned and 
started to carry out their dangerous mission. 
The German trenches were about eight hundred 
yards, or nearly half a mile, distant, and toward 
these they made their way. 

It was a perilous adventure and none of the 
three volunteers knew whether or not he would 
ever return alive. They gave but little thought 
at the time to this phase of the question, however. 


CHAPTEE XIX 


IN THE ENEMY LINES 

F ORWAED into the dark night the little 
band went. The battle lines were on the 
very edge of the Argonne forest and as far 
as possible the three men took advantage of the 
cover of the trees. 

They moved swiftly at first, when the danger of 
detection was comparatively slight. Their cau- 
tion was not relaxed for one moment, however, 
and great care was observed not to make any 
noise. In front of them and to their rear shells 
thrown by the heavy batteries were exploding. 
The rifle fire of the infantry had practically ceased 
for the present. 

At the distance which separated the two armies 
the rifle bullets had but slight effect, especially 
at night. This kind of fighting was reserved for 
the daylight and particularly for the charges 
made by the forces of foot soldiers on the oppos- 
ing trenches. 

Thus far most of the attacking had been done 
by the Germans. They had made a desperate 
drive to break through the Allied lines in their 
175 


176 WITH JOFFEE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


dash for Paris. This thrust had been checked, 
crumpled up and rolled back at the very gates of 
the city, but this did not mean that the Germans 
had abandoned their attempts to gain the goal 
they so much desired. 

Time and again the gray-clad troops were 
hurled at the French and English lines. Until 
within the last day or two these fierce onslaughts 
had been frequently successful, though they were 
attended by frightful losses to the invaders. Out 
of the distance would come the German hordes in 
their massed formation, shooting from the hip. 

The machine guns and rifles of the Allies would 
rake their lines from end to end. The Germans 
fell like nine-pins and yet onward the advancing 
troops came. The gaps were quickly filled by 
those behind until by sheer force and weight of 
numbers they gained ground. 

Now, however, the Allies were resisting more 
successfully and were not only checking the at- 
tacks of the enemy, but in some cases were even 
advancing themselves. The change in the for- 
tunes of war had worked wonders with the French 
and English troops. In many instances the ojffi- 
cers with difficulty held back their men. They 
seemed intoxicated by their success and were 
eager to storm the strongest defenses of the 
enemy, apparently having no concern for their 
own lives. 


IN THE ENEMY LINES 


177 


Bayonet charges had become of frequent occur- 
rence. At this style of fighting no troops could 
compare with the Turcos, the black soldiers from 
the French colonial possessions in Northern 
Africa. Great brawny, strapping men they were, 
unacquainted with fear, who liked nothing better 
than to engage in a hand to hand struggle. Sel- 
dom it was that they came off second best and it 
was rumored that the Germans feared these black 
warriors more than any forces that faced 
them. 

Some of this new spirit which pervaded the 
Allied armies had entered the hearts of the three 
volunteers now cautiously making their way along 
the edges of the Argonne forest toward the Ger- 
man lines. 

It was exciting work. There was always the 
chance that they might be discovered by the 
enemy, not only by those in the trenches, but also 
by a party of men sent out for the same purpose 
for which they themselves were advancing. 

It was thrilling as well as exciting, however. 
The feeling of danger and the sense of adventure 
helped the three volunteers to enjoy their mission 
in spite of the peril which attended them. 

When three quarters of the distance had been 
covered a halt was called and a whispered consul- 
tation was held. 

‘‘We^re within two hundred yards of the Ger- 


178 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


mans now,’^ whispered Jacques. ^‘What do you 
think we’d better do?” 

‘^We ought to approach them from the side, I 
think,” said Leon. ‘‘It would be out of the ques- 
tion to go right straight ahead, it seems to me. ’ ’ 

“That’s right,” agreed the third member of the 
party. “They’d see us surely, if we went di- 
rectly up to them. We wouldn’t stand a chance 
in the world.” 

“Very well, then,” said Jacques, “we’ll make a 
detour from here around through the border of 
the forest.” 

“There is a German battery of machine guns 
at the very end of their line,” said the soldier 
who accompanied the two boys. “We don’t want 
to get in the way of that or it will soon be all over 
with us. I have often fired one myself and I know 
the damage they can inflict.” 

“We’ll approach it from the side,” said 
Jacques. “Are you both ready?” 

“All ready,” replied his two companions. 

They were just about to drop on all fours and 
continue their advance, when Leon suddenly 
grasped each of his companions by his ann. 

“Listen,” he whispered excitedly. 

All three stood as if they had been all at once 
transformed into statues. Three pairs of ears 
strained to catch the faintest sound that might 


IN THE ENEMY’S LINES 


179 


indicate the presence of danger. At the end of 
two or three minutes, which seemed like hours to 
the listeners, Jacques turned to Leon. 

‘‘What was it you heard?” he whispered. 

“I thought I heard the bushes crackle as if 
some one was approaching. I guess I must have 
been mistaken, however. ’ ’ 

“I heard nothing,” said Jacques. “We’d bet- 
ter proceed.” 

Before they had a chance to carry out this sug- 
gestion, however, a sound was heard by all three 
that caused them to stop once more. Undoubtedly 
some one was coming through the forest and who- 
ever it was seemed to care but little as to how 
much noise he made. 

“Drop,” whispered Jacques fiercely, and in- 
stantly the three scouts threw themselves flat upon 
the ground and waited. 

Nearer and nearer came the sounds. Twigs 
craclded and snapped while bushes were evidently 
being thrust aside in the path of the oncomer. 
To the three young soldiers stretched upon the 
ground the only explanation which offered itself 
was that a machine gun was being moved forward. 
It was hard for them to understand why so little 
precaution was being taken, however. 

It was now too late to run and as they waited, 
every one of the three scouts vowed to himself 


180 WITH JOFFEE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


that if he was to die he would die fighting. Three 
automatic revolvers were held in readiness for the 
first sign of the enemy. 

The noise was not ten feet away now and was 
coming directly toward the position held by the 
three young soldiers of France. Suddenly the 
crackling in the underbrush ceased when it was 
almost upon them, 

‘‘Moo!^’ 

Leon heard Jacques laugh nervously, while on 
his other side the young French regular exclaimed 
softly under his breath. 

‘‘To be fooled that way by a cow!’^ whispered 
Jacques disgustedly. 

“Thank heaven it is a cow,” exclaimed Leon 
fervently, feeling somewhat limp. 

None of the three made any attempt to talk or 
to move for some moments. The tension they had 
been under was very great and the unexpected 
and sudden ending of the adventure had left them 
all too weak to do anything. 

Finally, Leon spoke. His natural American 
curiosity and desire to talk could be restrained 
no longer. “What is a cow doing here?” he in- 
quired in a low voice. 

“I don’t know,” replied Jacques. “She prob- 
ably belongs to some peasant in the neighborhood 
who had to desert his home and everything he 
owned when the country was invaded.” 


IN THE ENEMY’S LINES 


181 


‘‘I should think she’d have been shot and eaten 
long before this. ’ ’ 

‘‘That’s what will happen to her soon, all 
right,” said Jacques. “Are we ready to go 
now!” he continued. 

“How about the cow!” asked Leon. 

“Leave her where she is,” replied Jacques, 
‘ ‘ we don ’t want her. ’ ’ 

The animal in question was standing near-by, 
quietly and contentedly chewing her cud and ap- 
parently unconscious that a war was going on or 
that she was in any danger herself. She was as 
contented as if in her own barnyard. 

“Allons,” whispered the regular to Jacques, 
and Leon and all three moved forward again. 

Leon had learned enough of the French lan- 
guage to know that the word “allons” meant 
“come on.” In fact, he discovered from time to 
time that he was able to understand a part of 
what was spoken around him. Every day he 
learned new words and new phrases and was bet- 
ter able all the while to make himself intelligible 
to his French comrades. 

The young soldiers now crawled forward, lying 
prone on their stomachs. The greatest care was 
taken to maintain absolute silence, for the slight- 
est noise might mean the loss of all three lives. 
Each man felt in front of him with his hands as 
he advanced. Every twig and branch and stone 


182 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


wMcli might hinder progress or cause any sound 
was carefully removed. 

Three abreast they wormed their way forward. 
Slowly, very slowly, they proceeded, but all were 
agreed that safety was to be preferred to speed. 
The old fable of the hare and the tortoise was 
being illustrated once more. Infinite patience and 
determination possessed the souls of the three 
scouts and when these two qualities are combined 
they are hard to defeat. 

Their progress was scarcely perceptible, but 
still they advanced. Closer and closer they came 
to the enemy’s lines. They had covered a hun- 
dred and fifty yards of the last two hundred, and 
an hour and a half had been consumed in this 
effort. 

Fifty yards ahead of them they could see the 
spit of a machine gun as it poured its rain of 
leaden death into the French trenches. This gun 
was on the extreme left of the German lines and 
by the flash of the shells a squad of perhaps half 
a dozen men could be seen in charge. 

The three scouts stopped and waited. They 
watched the sight intently and after a short time 
had elapsed the firing from this gun ceased. This 
was the signal for a further advance on the part 
of the scouts. More rapidly they crawled now, as 
the Germans had evidently left their gun for a 


IN THE ENEMY LINES 183 

few moments. This was an opportunity not to be 
missed. 

All three wriggled forward as rapidly as they 
were able, still taking pains to preserve silence, 
however. They now bore off to their right more 
than before in order to approach the trenches 
from the side, or, if possible, from the rear. 
Nearer and nearer they came until at length they 
reached a spot parallel with the German trenches. 

Hardly ten yards away stood the machine gun. 
The Germans had been called away for supper or 
for a brief time they had relaxed their vigilance. 
At any rate the gun was unmanned and presented 
a great temptation to the three young French sol- 
diers. 

‘‘We can capture that gun,’’ whispered 
Jacques. 

“I can fire it,” replied the young regular. 
“We can turn it on the Germans and scare the 
lives out of them.” 

‘ ‘ All right, ’ ’ agreed Leon. ‘ ‘ Let ’s make a rush 
for it.” 

They gathered themselves together for this des- 
perate attempt and a moment later when Jacques 
gave the signal they sprang to their feet and to- 
gether made a swift dash far the place where the 
machine gun was standing. 


CHAPTER XX 


AN EXCITING NIGHT 

D uring the lull in the fighting the Ger- 
mans had withdrawn a short distance 
and were eating the soup which com- 
posed their principal food. Evidently the fear of 
a surprise attack was far from their thoughts, and 
as a consequence they were unprepared for what 
was about to come. 

A doeen strides were sufficient to bring the 
three daring scouts to the place where the machine 
gun was standing. Here they were in the midst 
of the hostile lines, only three men opposed to at 
least two companies of the enemy. 

As yet their presence had not been detected. 
‘‘Wheel her!’’ exclaimed Jacques in a low voice, 
at the same time grasping the spokes of one wheel 
in both hands. Leon took the opposite side and 
their companion the rear, and a moment later the 
machine gun was no longer pointing toward the 
French soldiers, but directly at the Germans them- 
selves. 

“Hurry!” urged Leon eagerly. “We haven’t 
a second to lose!” 

The ammunition for the gun was in a case close 

184 



^'They’re on the run,” shouted Leon. {Page 185.) 





AN EXCITING NIGHT 


185 


at hand and from this a large quantity of bullets 
were soon extracted. They were in long strips, 
like the strips of caps sold for toy pistols, and 
sooner than it takes to tell about it the bullets 
were loaded in the gun and all was in readiness 
for action. 

The young regular was in charge and he soon 
showed that he understood his task. He aimed 
the machine gun at the group of Germans who 
were nearest, and could be faintly seen through 
the darkness. Then he opened fire on them. 

* ^ Let ’em have it ! ” cried Leon, as a rain of bul- 
lets poured forth upon the luckless Germans. A 
steady stream of fire and lead belched from the 
mouth of the gun as Jacques and his companion 
swept the enemy’s lines. 

‘'They ’re on the run,” shouted Leon. “At 
least those that are left are running.” 

Evidently the Germans were demoralized. So 
unexpected an attack and from such close quarters 
had surprised them and thrown them into disor- 
der. Confusion reigned on all sides. 

“Keep it up! Keep it up!” cried Leon, danc- 
ing up and down in his excitement. “Point it 
down the trenches here ! Give them all a taste of 
it!” 

His suggestion was quickly followed. The mur- 
derous fire of the machine gun raked the trenches 
and soon cleared them of any Germans that might 


186 WITH JOFFEE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


have remained there. Thus far not a shot had 
been fired at the three young scouts. The Ger- 
mans were in full retreat and their retreat was 
fast becoming a rout. They undoubtedly sup- 
posed that a large force of the French had at- 
tacked them, and so completely had they been 
taken by surprise that they did not wait to find out 
the truth. 

As they broke and ran for their lives a power- 
ful searchlight from the French lines was flashed 
upon them and the French batteries at that mo- 
ment also opened fire. Charge after charge of 
grapeshot was hurled into the huddled and con- 
fused masses of the Germans. The effect of this 
was deadly and the ranks of the enemy were rid- 
dled and torn from end to end. 

The French had evidently been waiting for some 
sign of activity on the part of their scouts and no 
time was lost in taking advantage of the daring 
effort of the three young soldiers. 

“Give ’em some more!” cried Leon. “Shoot 
where the searchlight is playing.” 

“Give us some more ammunition!” shouted 
Jacques, with difficulty making himself heard 
above the noise of the firing. 

“I certainly will!” responded Leon, and he 
quickly emptied the case of all that it held. 
“Shoot it all at them,” he urged, “and be quick 
about it! They’re leaving us pretty rapidly and 


AN EXCITING NIGHT 187 

they’ll soon be where we can’t take a shot at 
them.” 

This was indeed true. The Germans were flee- 
ing in riotous haste, every man for himself ; and in 
their mad flight they left everything that might 
hinder their movements in any way. Another 
machine gun some fifty yards distant was aban- 
doned ; ammunition was disregarded and the 
ground was littered with rifles thrown away. 

‘‘They’ve almost gone,” announced Leon, as 
the powerful searchlight swept the ground where 
the Germans lately had been entrenched. 

“It’s a good thing they have,” gasped Jacques. 
“The barrel of this gun is so hot it would melt if 
we fired much more. ’ ’ 

“We don’t need any more,” cried Leon. “We 
chased the whole crowd of them away. Here 
come our troops,” he announced. 

Sure enough, several companies of French in- 
fantry were advancing on the run and soon came 
to the captured trenches. They cheered loudly as 
they realized what had taken place. Not a Ger- 
man was to be seen ; they all had been put to flight 
by three soldiers. The daring eifort of the three 
scouts had been a complete success. 

“Get that other machine gun!” shouted 
Jacques. 

“They’ll get it, all right,” 

“Don’t worry about that.” 


exclaimed Leon. 


188 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


The French soldiers immediately took posses- 
sion of the abandoned trenches so that their lines 
in this place were moved forward nearly a half 
mile. Not often did it happen that a gain of such 
magnitude was made without great loss of life on 
the part of the assailants. In order to capture 
intrenched positions it is usually necessary to at- 
tack with a force at least four or five times as 
large as that of the defenders. 

The three young soldiers were soon the center 
of a joyous group who slapped them on their 
backs and cheered them and applauded their 
splendid achievement. The young lieutenant who 
had sent them forward was among the first to con- 
gratulate them. 

^‘You did wonderfully, marvelously!” he ex- 
claimed, shaking hands with all three of the young 
men in turn. cannot tell you how proud I am 
of you! You shall all be recommended for the 
medal. ’ ’ 

Jacques and Leon and their companion were 
greatly embarrassed at all this display which was 
being made over them. They had not realized 
what a brave deed they had done. They had 
started out to do as they had been ordered, and 
had seen a chance to go a little bit farther. They 
had seized this opportunity and had been success- 
ful. That was all. The thought that they were 
doing any very brave or heroic act had not oc- 


AN EXCITING NIGHT 


189 


curred to them until their comrades began to heap 
praises upon them. 

‘'Let’s get out of this,” whispered Leon to 
Jacques at the first opportunity. 

“That’s what I say,” replied Jacques, and 
quietly and unobserved the two young soldiers 
took their places in the trenches. 

“We’re heroes, did you know that?” said Leon 
a few moments later. 

“So it seems,” laughed Jacques. “I don’t like 
it, do you!” 

“No, I don’t; but I’m glad of one thing.” 

‘ ‘ That we are to be recommended for the medal 
again? With two recommendations we ought to 
get at least one medal. I want one badly.” 

“No more than I do, and I only hope we don’t 
get killed before we have a chance to wear them. ’ ’ 

“We always stand a good chance of that, I sup- 
pose.” 

“We certainly do, and I don’t think we’ll have 
to wait long for an opportunity.” 

“What do you mean by that?” exclaimed Leon. 

“ Just wait and see. I don’t believe the Ger- 
mans are going to give up these trenches without 
more of a fight. Their one idea is to get ahead, 
and unless I’m very much mistaken we’U see them 
back here shortly.” 

“Do you think they’ll come to-night?” 

“I don’t know when they’ll come, but it will be 


190 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


Lefore to-morrow night, I am almost sure. That^s 
only my opinion, of course,^’ said Jacques. 

‘‘Well, if they do retake the trenches,” ex- 
claimed Leon, “theydl have more trouble doing it 
than we did in capturing them in the first place. ’ ’ 

“No trenches were ever taken as easily as 
these,” laughed Jacques. “Wasn’t it wonderful 
the way we fooled those Germans?” 

“I told you there ’d be some action as soon as 
we got back at the front.” 

“You mustn’t get conceited, Leon,” cautioned 
Jacques. 

“No fear of that. My head is not swelled; I’m 
only glad to think of how we happened to be able 
to do what we did. I consider it luck more than 
anything else. This is only another proof of how 
lucky we are.” 

‘ ‘ It is, indeed, ’ ’ J acques assented. “ We ’ll also 
be lucky if we don’t catch pneumonia or some- 
thing like that in these trenches. ’ ’ 

“They are pretty damp, aren’t theyT” 

“I should say they are. Are you as glad to be 
in them as you thought you’d be?” 

“Just exactly,” exclaimed Leon cheerfully. 
“I don’t mind a few small discomforts. When 
you’re in the army, you know, you must remember 
that it is not all brass buttons and dress pa- 
rade. ’ ’ 

“Well, I guess not,” agreed Jacques earnestly. 


AN EXCITING NIGHT 


191 


least not in, war time. Have you seen many 
brass buttons or dress parades since youVe been 
in the army1’’ 

‘‘I saw some buttons and some parades. They 
weren^t dress parades, though, and I fancy that 
the men in them weren’t thinking much of how 
they looked.” 

‘‘Most of them were wondering how they were 
going to feel and act when the bullets of the enemy 
began to whizz past their ears, I imagine,” said 
Jacques grimly. “I’d almost rather face bullets 
than sit in this damp trench, though. ’ ’ 

“Let me show you how to do it,” exclaimed 
Leon. 

“What are you going to do!” inquired Jacques 
curiously. 

“Get some of that straw first, ’^’ Leon directed. 

The trenches were more or less covered with 
straw. The side facing toward the enemy was in 
this condition, at any rate. Consequently, when 
the men stood up to fire they rested their arms in 
the dry straw, which also aiforded them consider- 
able protection from the German sharpshooters. 

As Jacques reached for some of this straw, Leon 
divested himself of his knapsack and placed it on 
the bottom of the trench. All about it he placed 
the straw that Jacques handed him. In a few 
moments he had a dry seat and a warm place in 
which he could rest his feet. 


192 WITH JOFFEE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


‘‘That’s a fine idea,” exclaimed Jacques en> 
thusiastically, and in a few moments he had fol- 
lowed Leon’s example and was warmly and com- 
fortably quartered. 

“Oh, yes,” laughed Leon. “I have a wonder- 
ful brain.” 

“Just the same, all the men are copying you,” 
said Jacques; and sure enough, in both directions 
through the trenches the soldiers were using their 
knapsacks and the straw to make seats and dry 
foot space for themselves. 

“It certainly is more comfortable, isn’t it?” 
said Leon. “Now I feel as if I can pass the night 
fairly comfortably.” 

“You mean what is left of the night. It will 
be dawn in about two hours. ’ ’ 

“And at dawn the Germans will attack.” 

“*! think you’re right,” Jacques agreed. 
“Shall we try to get a little sleep?” 

“It would be a good plan, I think. I wonder 
what chance there is of our being able to do it ? ” 

“No chance at all,” exclaimed Jacques at the 
end of about twenty minutes. “I can’t sleep in 
a place like this and at such a time.” 

“Nor I,” said Leon. “Let’s stand up and 
stretch ourselves and see if we can see what is 
going on.” 

Both boys stood up, but it was impossible for 
them to see anything in the darkness. Jacques 


AN EXCITING NIGHT 


193 


engaged in conversation with the soldier nearest 
him, and though Leon could understand but little 
of what was said, he listened attentively. He had 
determined to improve his every opportunity to 
learn French. Since he had been in Europe and 
in the war, and seen all the wonderful things there 
were to see and had heard about all the things 
that were going on, he had decided that it was 
impossible to know too much. Consequently, he 
resolved not only to learn French, but to take an 
interest in other things as well. One can never 
tell when knowledge may be useful or even when 
it may save a life. 

‘‘We have been reenforced,’’ said Jacques at 
length, turning to Leon. “This man here says 
the officers evidently expect an attack and that a 
large force has been brought up to aid us. ’ ’ 

The two young soldiers stood in the trenches 
and discussed the possibilities of an attack and 
what would be done in the event of such a thing 
happening. They made up maneuvers and told 
how they would act in like circumstances were 
they in command of the troops. The night passed 
quickly in this way and almost before they were 
aware of it the first streaks of light began to ap- 
pear in the eastern sky. 

Before long it was possible to distinguish ob- 
jects at a distance, and now several men with spy- 
glasses were stationed on the edge of the trenches. 


194 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


They swept the country in all directions, espe- 
cially the district through which the Grermans had 
fled in their mad rout the preceding night. From 
behind the French lines an aeroplane rose and 
soared swiftly away to discover the position and 
strength of the enemy. 

‘‘You look nervous,’’ remarked Jacques to 
Leon, whose hand shook as he reached for one of 
the cups of coffee being now served the soldiers. 

“I am nervous,” replied Leon. “I’m not 
frightened, though.” 

As he spoke one of the men with a spyglass sud- 
denly jumped to his feet. 

‘ ‘ Here they come ! ” he shouted. 


X 


CHAPTER XXI 


THE INVADEKS ATTACK 

I NSTANTLY every one was alert. All 
through the long lines of trenches the sol- 
diers sprang to their feet, prepared for im- 
mediate action. Needless to say, Leon and 
Jacques were among the first to he in their places. 

‘‘Can you see anything inquired Leon 
eagerly. 

“Not a thing.’’ 

“Perhaps this man was mistaken.” 

“I guess not,” said Jacques confidently. “He 
had glasses, you know, and he was higher than 
we are. He could see them long before we could, 
even if he had no glasses to help him. They’re 
coming, all right.” 

‘ ‘ That looks like it ! ” exclaimed Leon, as a shell 
shrieked over their heads and burst some distance 
behind the French lines. 

“Yes, and there is our reply to it,” said 
Jacques. 

The French artillery had opened fire. The roar 
of the cannonading became louder and louder as 
the firing became more frequent. Shells from the 
1&5 


196 WITH JOFFEE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


German grins were bursting both in front and in 
the rear of the French trenches. So far, however, 
the damage they had done was slight. 

‘‘Those are the ‘Jack Johnsons’ they are 
using,” said Jacques. 

“What do you mean?” 

“Those big German howitzers. Don’t you re- 
member how the English soldiers at Mons chris- 
tened them that?” 

“Sure enough,” exclaimed Leon. “They 
aren’t dqing much damage to us yet, though, are 
they?” 

“No, but wait a few moments.” 

The soldier next to Jacques plucked him by the 
sleeve and engaged him in conversation while a 
grin of delight spread over his face. Jacques, 
too, broke into a smile as he listened to his neigh- 
bor’s words. 

“Did you hear that?” he asked, turning to 
Leon. 

“I didn’t hear a thing you said.” 

“This man says that our gunners are writing, 
‘Love to the Kaiser,’ and ‘Regards from the 
Allies,’ on the shells they are firing at the Ger- 
mans.” 

“That’s pretty good,” laughed Leon. “I only 
hope the Kaiser will receive the message.” 

“No fear of that. You may be sure he is in 


THE INVADERS ATTACK 197 

some good safe place, where the enemy’s shells 
won ’t bother him. ’ ’ 

“I wish he was in that crowd that is attacking 
ns.” 

‘‘So do 1. Can you see them yet!” 

Leon stood on tiptoe and peered intently in the 
direction from which the Germans had been 
sighted. As the sun rose higher, the early morn- 
ing mists were burned away and it was now pos- 
sible to see a long distance. 

“I see them!” cried Leon suddenly. “Look!” 
and as he spoke he pointed straight ahead of him. 

“I don’t see a thing.” 

“There!” exclaimed Leon. “Don’t you see 
something moving ’way off there!” 

“Those long gray lines, you mean!” 

“Yes. Those are the Germans.” 

“You’re right,” said Jacques suddenly. “I 
saw that line before, but I didn’t think it could be 
the soldiers. It looks just like part of the land- 
scape. ’ ’ 

“It is hard to see them,” agreed Leon. “Until 
I saw them moving I thought they were a hedge 
or something like that, too. At this time of day 
they are especially hard to see. ’ ’ 

“Those are wonderful uniforms,” said Jacques. 
“Think how much better they are than these 
baggy red trousers the French troops have to 


198 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


wear. Our uniforms make us a perfect mark for 
the enemy’s guns.” 

‘‘Yes, but I have heard they were going to be 
changed. ’ ’ 

“They ought to be,” insisted Jacques. “Just . 
because our soldiers have worn these same uni- 
forms for so many years they hate to give them 
up. It is all absolute nonsense.” 

“Too late to change them before this battle,” 
laughed Leon. “Look!” he added, as he glanced 
at the sky above them. ‘ ‘ That aeroplane we sent 
up must be directly over the German lines. See, 
it has changed its course and is now flying parallel 
to us.” 

“They’re being fired at, too. You can see 
shells bursting around it.” 

“They’re down fairly low,” remarked Leon. 
“I’m glad you and I are not in that machine, 
aren’t you?” 

“I certainly am. I know how they must feel, 
though. Do you remember how we felt when we 
were being fired at on the Marne?” 

“I shall never forget it.” 

“They’re hit!” cried Jacques suddenly. 
“Look at them! They’re falling!” 

“That is horrible,” shuddered Leon, as he gazed 
spellbound and with wide open eyes at the falling 
aeroplane. Evidently it had been struck by a bul- 
let or the fragment of a bursting shell. It had 


THE INVADERS ATTACK 


199 


suddenly pitched forward and then plunged head- 
long toward the earth in its mad descent. Half 
the distance from the ground it caught fire and a 
roaring mass of flames dashed downward to de- 
struction. 

‘^Two more good men gone/’ sighed Leom 
‘‘Who was the aviator, Jacques!” 

“I don’t know. He did his duty, anyway, for 
he stayed over the German troops long enough to 
give our gunners the range.” 

“We paid a big price for the information, I 
should say.” 

“Not very, ’ ’ remarked J acques. “ In a war like 
this the lives of two men aren’t worth a very 
great deal. Not that I think that lives are to be 
wasted by any means. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ The Germans waste them. ’ ’ 

“They do seem to. I don’t believe you’ll ever 
find General Joffre doing such a thing, however.” 

“I hope he’ll not” 

V^he two young soldiers talked on while the long 
line of gray-clad Germans advanced upon them 
slowly and yet steadily. They were still a long' 
distance away, too great a distance to he a mark 
for rifle bullets. The artillery roared and crashed 
continuously, however, and evidently the French 
were doing considerable damage with their big 
guns. Even with the naked eye it was now pos- 
sible to see shells explode in the ranks of the 


200 WITH JOFFEE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


enemy. A gap would appear, only to be filled al- 
most immediately by those in the rear. 

‘‘How many of them are there, do you think T’ 
exclaifiied Leon. 

“About five or six regiments, I should say.’^ 

‘ ‘ That means about six or seven thousand men, 
then.” 

“About that many, yes.” 

“How many have we here?” 

“I don’t know,” replied Jacques. “Not over 
four thousand. ’ ’ 

“Can we hold them?” 

“Certainly, we can. It will take more than the 
men they have there to take these trenches away 
from us now. The ones who are attacking are al- 
ways at a disadvantage and need many more men. 
You must remember that they can’t even see us 
yet, while they are in plain sight. They’ll un- 
doubtedly charge us and then you’ll see them go 
down like nine-pins when we open up. It’s going 
to be terrible, and we’ll have to fight like demons.” 

“We’ll do that, all right,” said Leon. “Just 
look at these men around us.” 

The French troops in the trenches were almost 
beside themselves with excitement. Their hands 
twitched nervously and as they peered forth upon 
the mass of advancing Germans it was evident 
that many were restraining themselves with diffi- 


THE INVADERS ATTACK 201 

culty from jumping out of the trenches and rush- 
ing forward to meet the oncoming host. 

“Yes,” said Jacques. “I guess you’re right; 
these men will fight like demons. If you were 
fighting for your home and your country, I guess 
you would, too. ’ ’ 

“I expect to fight my best,” said Leon stoutly. 

‘ ‘ I know you do, ’ ’ exclaimed J acques. ‘ ‘ I don ’t 
want you to think for a moment that I doubted 
that fact. I was just thinking of these French- 
men here whose country is invaded and is already 
scarred horribly by this war.” 

“Well, it’s better to win at the end than at the 
beginning, ’ ’ said Leon. ‘ ‘ The Germans are doing 
their best now, while we will be stronger every 
day.” 

“That is true,” agreed Jacques. “At the same 
time I wish we had been more prepared for this 
war. We’ll win in the end, all right, but if we 
could win at the beginning, too, that would make 
the end come quicker.” 

“We’ll do our part in this fight,” exclaimed 
Leon. “I think we’re going to be ordered to fire 
in a moment.’^ 

All along the line sounded the click of the ham- 
mers as the rifles were cocked. Every man set 
himself a little more firmly in his place. Every 
one gripped his rifle a little more tightly and 


202 WITH JOFFEE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


grimly prepared himself for the struggle which 
was about to come. 

In close formation the Germans advanced. 
They were shouting and singing as they came on 
and above the roar of the big guns the sound of 
the men’s voices made its way. 

wish they wouldn’t sing,” exclaimed Leon. 
‘Ht seems too horrible.” 

^‘Ssh,” hissed Jacques. ^^Keep your eyes on 
the captain there.” 

‘‘Eeady,” shouted the officer. ‘‘Aim! Fire!” 

The sharp bark of hundreds of rifles now added 
to the ever increasing din. Fast and furious be- 
came the fighting. The men . in the trenches 
worked feverishly to load and fire their guns as 
rapidly as possible. 

The Germans fell in scores, but their advance 
did not slacken for a moment. On they came, 
cheering wildly. The places of the fallen were 
instantly taken by their fellows, so that the front 
rank always remained intact. The French ma- 
chine guns and mitrailleuses now opened fire and 
the havoc they wrought was beyond description. 

It was as if some man with a scythe was cut- 
ting weeds in his gardens. Entire rows of the 
Germans wqre cut down and plunged headlong to 
the earth. The bravery of the attackers was mar- 
velous for they did not once falter. On, on, on 
they came like a great gray-green wave that had 


THE INVADERS ATTACK 203 

just broken and was curling onward toward the 
beach. 

Leon and Jacques were working desperately. 
The officers were exhorting their men to even 
greater efforts, though every one already was 
doing his utmost and needed no urging. So fast 
were the men loading and firing that before many 
minutes had passed the ammunition began to run 
low. 

The rifie-firing ceased to a certain extent, but 
the artillery, and especially the rapid firers, kept 
a steady rain of lead pouring into the German 
ranks. 

‘^We^re checking them! They’re breaking 
up ! ” exclaimed Leon. 

On his right the soldier who had stood shoulder 
to shoulder with him had sunk forward and Leon 
suddenly perceived that the man was dead. He 
was half propped up in the trench, his head lying 
on his outstretched arms. Shocked as he was by 
this discovery, Leon quickly recovered his com- 
posure. So intent was he on the battle now raging 
that anything else could have but small effect on 
him. 

‘‘Yes, sir,” cried Jacques, “we are stopping 
them. We’ll send ’em back in a moment more, 
too.” 

Both boys began to cheer, and their comrades, 
catching a spark of their enthusiasm, also broke 


204 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


into a shout. This proceeding seemed to discon- 
cert the Germans almost more than did the bullets. 
They had received terrible punishment as they 
pushed forward, but they were able to take all 
that and still advance, for they believed that they 
could drive out the French and they were pre- 
pared for heavy losses. When the cheer from 
the trenches reached them over the blood-stained 
battlefield, however, they wavered. 

For the first time the Germans hesitated. 
Their front rank almost seemed to stop. The 
troops in the rear consequently were checked and 
before many minutes the attackers were gathered 
in a great dense mass, apparently undecided 
whether to advance or to retreat. 

The non-commissioned officers shouted and 
waved their swords. They exhorted their men to 
go forward and they even struck some of the sol- 
diers with the flat of their swords to urge them 
onward. These efforts were in vain, however. 
The Germans had suddenly lost confidence and 
become demoralized. 

Like any other machine, they ran well until 
something went wrong. Something had suddenly 
gone wrong with this section of the German war 
machine, and like a pack of sheep the men hud- 
dled closely together on the field, an easy mark 
for the hail of bullets poured into their midst from 
the French trenches. 


THE INVADERS ATTACK 205 

‘^They’re beaten! They^re beaten!’^ shouted 
Leon excitedly. 

‘‘No doubt of it/’ exclaimed Jacques. “We’ve 
got them now.” 

“Look there!” 

The French officers were shouting to their men 
and running up and down behind the trenches. 
“It’s the order to charge,” cried Leon. 


CHAPTER XXII 


THE CHARGE 

O UT of the trenches swarmed the French 
troops. Their opportunity had come and 
they were fully aware of it. Now was 
the time to strike and every man was eager to take 
advantage of the moment. 

Leon looked about him as he clambered out of 
his place and took his stand upon the field of bat- 
tle. His companions were like wild men. The 
fire of battle and of victory was in their eyes and 
they acted like blooded dogs straining at the 
leash. Their enemies were demoralized, on the 
verge of rout, and every soldier of France was 
impatient to hasten that rout and to have a share 
in accomplishing it. 

The long cruel bayonets gleamed in the rays of 
the morning sunlight as the men quickly formed 
and awaited the order to advance. Leon could 
not help shuddering, in spite of himself, as he 
thought of the frightful damage that could he 
done by those slim blades of cold steel. 

It was to he man against man now, however, 
206 


THE CHARGE 


207 


and the yoimg soldier had no intention of dealing 
gently with his opponents. The smoke of battle 
filled his nostrils, while his ears thrummed with 
the roar of the big guns. His fighting spirit was 
aroused and he found himself almost as eager as 
his companions for the word to advance. 

To Leon it seemed as if hours passed before this 
order came. In reality only a few seconds had 
elapsed, but at such a time a whole lifetime some- 
times seems to be crowded into a few short mo- 
ments. 

Now they were off! Leon and Jacques found 
themselves in the midst of a yelling crowd of 
frenzied Frenchmen, every man intent on dealing 
out death and destruction to the Germans on the 
field before them. The noise was almost deafen- 
ing. The great guns of the Allies sent a constant 
stream of shot and shell into the opposing ranks 
in an effort to aid the charge. 

Nor were the Germans idle. Their officers had 
partly succeeded in rallying their men and they 
evidently intended to make a stand. Their guns 
were turned upon the mass of onrushing French- 
men and the execution they wrought was deadly. 
Men fell by scores, but the advancing lines did not 
stop. On they went, cheering as before, one fixed 
purpose in the minds of all. 

‘‘My men would have stormed the rock of Gib- 
raltar that day,’’ said their commander proudly, 


208 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


a week later when he was recounting the story to 
a group of officers. 

Nearer and nearer to the Germans they came. 
Leon now could see the white, set faces of his op- 
ponents. He wondered vaguely if he would ever 
live to reach that mass of grim men waiting there 
for him. AU about him his companions were 
dropping. The rain of bullets poured into their 
midst was causing untold havoc. It hardly 
seemed possible that any one would be left 
alive. 

The Germans were wavering, however. Ex- 
cited as he was, Leon could see that plainly. It is 
one thing to face rifles that you cannot see. It 
is a different proposition, however, to watch long 
rows of men rush toward you, every man with a 
shining steel bayonet in his hands. In the one 
case you canT see the threatening death, but in 
the other it is before your eyes every second and 
it requires a strong man to wait coolly for its 
arrival. 

The Germans hesitated. They appeared unde- 
cided as to what next to do. And then, when they 
realized that nothing they had done had produced 
any marked effect upon the Allies and that noth- 
ing they could do would stop them, their lines 
wavered and then broke. 

In vain their officers pleaded and threartened. 
Demoralization had set in and no power on earth 


THE CHARGE 209 

could rally them now. The Germans turned and 
fled. 

‘ ‘ They ^re running ! They ’re running ! ’ ’ shouted 
Leon and Jacques, both wild with excitement. 

A great cheer broke from the French ranks, and 
waving their rifles on high the men increased their 
speed. They were almost upon the fleeing Ger- 
mans now. Artillery, rifles, anything that would 
retard their flight was thrown aside as the de- 
feated soldiers ran for their lives. 

But the French were soon among them shoot- 
ing, striking in all directions and on every side. 
They were revenging themselves for their burned 
homes, their battle-scarred countryside, and their 
slain fathers, brothers, and sons. Revenge was 
sweet to these men and they made the very most 
of it. 

The German regiments were literally cut to 
pieces. The field was strewn with the bodies of 
the dead and dying. Hundreds lay about on all 
sides. Many threw up their hands in token of 
surrender and these alone were unharmed and 
quickly made prisoners. 

The Germans scattered and fled at their utmost 
speed, safely being the uppermost thought in the 
mind of every one. The French pursued them re- 
lentlessly and almost gleefully, rejoicing in their 
victoiy and desperately trying to make it as de- 
cisive as possible. 


210 WITH JOFFEE ON THE BATTLE LINE 

Leon and Jacques found themselves side by side 
and unharmed when at last the fighting was over. 
The German line had been completely routed and 
aside from the dead and wounded left behind not 
one remained on the battle field. Here and there 
in the distance a squad of Frenchmen still could 
be seen in pursuit of one of their foes, but other- 
wise the struggle was all ended. The French 
were left in undisputed possession of the ground. 

^‘What a fight!’’ exclaimed Leon, mopping his 
brow. 

‘‘What a success it was!” said Jacques en- 
thusiastically. “My only regret is that I didn’t 
reach this spot before the Germans left it. I’d 
like to have been able to strike a few blows at 
them myself.” 

“It would have been necessary for us to run 
much faster than we did to get here in time for 
that,” laughed Leon. “They didn’t wait very 
long. ’ ’ 

“I should say not. We took a lot of prisoners 
though. ’ ’ 

“Yes, we did,” agreed Leon. “Look at them 
over there. Evidently some of the Germans 
waited here at any rate. Not because they wished 
to, though.” 

“And the prisoners are not the only ones who 
remained either,” said Jacques grimly. “Look 
at the ground out there.” 


THE CHAEGE 


211 


is awful!” shuddered Leon. ‘‘DoesnT it 
seem a shame that fine, brave men like that have 
to be killed or wounded or perhaps maimed for 
life? And they didnT start the war themselves 
you know.” 

^‘You’re not getting soft hearted, are you?” 

‘‘Not a bit.” 

“Do you feel sorry for the Germans who were 
killed and wounded?” 

‘ ‘ Of course I do. Why shouldn T I ? ” 

“They are our enemies.” 

“Perhaps they are,” said Leon. “At the same 
time they are brave men and I feel sorry for them. 
That doesn’t mean I don’t intend to fight against 
them, just as hard as ever. But these men out 
here I have no grudge against and I feel sorry for 
any man who is suffering.” 

“You are an American, that’s why you sym- 
pathize with these men,” said Jacques. “If you 
were French or Belgian or British you’d feel dif- 
ferently. ’ ’ 

“Perhaps. Still I hate to see any one suffer 
and so do you, too.” 

“Not these men.” 

“Yes, you do, or you’re different from the rest 
of your countrymen.” 

“What do you mean?” 

‘ ‘ Look out there, ’ ’ directed Leon. ‘ ‘ Our troops 
are caring for the wounded and they are taking 


212 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


just as good care of the Germans as they are of 
their own men/’ 

^‘Perhaps you’re right,” agreed Jacques, after 
a moment spent in watching the acts of mercy be- 
ing performed on the battle-scarred field. ‘‘Let’s 
go and see what we can do to help.” 

“That’s the way,” cried Leon. “I’ve always 
said that Frenchmen were good sports and now 
I know it. ’ ’ 

The two young soldiers were soon busily en- 
gaged in assisting in caring for the wounded and 
in carrying them to the motor-ambulances that 
were now making their appearance. As fast as 
one was filled it bore its load to the nearest hos- 
pital, deposited it there and returned for more. 
The work progressed rapidly. Soon the wounded 
were all removed and the dead had been buried 
in shallow graves. The chaplain said a few words 
over their bodies, then the earth was piled on top 
of them and the war was over, as far as they were 
concerned. 

“I don’t believe I could stand all these sights 
if I wasn’t pretty well hardened to them now,” 
said Leon. 

“They are pretty bad,” agreed Jacques. 

“Not so bad when the fight is on. You don’t 
notice such things then for you are too excited. 
But when it is all over, you realize just how aw- 
ful it all is.” 


THE CHAEGE 


213 


‘‘We mustnT think about that part of it. Let’s 
try to forget the bad things and see if we can’t 
plan some new scheme for heating the Germans 
again.” 

“Do you think they’ll be back?” 

“I know they will. We beat them easily that 
time because they happened to become demoral- 
ized, but that isn’t apt to happen again.” 

“They wonT be here right away, though,” said 
Leon. “It’ll take them some time to reform their 
lines and get reenforcements enough to attack us 
again. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ Don ’t be too sure. ’ ’ 

The two boys were now put to work along with 
several hundred other soldiers digging new 
trenches. This was hard work and not of the sort 
enjoyed by many of the men. It was very im- 
portant work though and had to be done as rapidly 
as possible. 

After two successful engagements the Allied 
lines had made a gain of nearly a mile that day, 
and in order to hold this advantage it was neces- 
sary to entrench strongly. Every man was 
equipped with a long handled shovel and was set 
to digging. 

To the two boys this was a new kind of labor 
and one which called into play muscles long un- 
used. Before many minutes had elapsed their 
arms were aching and their backs were sore. 


214 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


don’t like this,” said Leon. 

‘‘Nor I,” admitted Jacques. “This is part of 
the game though, and I guess we ’ll keep on digging 
whether we like it or not. ’ ’ 

“Yes, I imagine we shall,” smiled Leon, as he 
turned to his task with redoubled zeal. Even the 
brief time that he had been a soldier had instilled 
the idea in his head that he was to do exactly what 
he was told. The idea of questioning his orders 
almost made him laugh now, it w^as so ridiculous. 
At first this unquestioning obedience had been 
hard for the young American but he had become 
so accustomed to it by this time that it was almost 
second nature to him. 

They dug on in silence for some time. The 
trenches were almost finished now and the main 
French force was preparing to occupy them. The 
trenches were placed on the tops of three small 
hills with a little valley between them. From 
their places on top, the French could command the 
approach to this small valley and make it decid- 
edly uncomfortable for any force that might try 
to enter it. 

“I’m glad that job is over,” exclaimed Jacques 
sometime later, when he and Leon were resting 
in the newly completed trenches. 

‘ ‘ So am I, ’ ’ said Leon. “I’m tired, too. ’ ’ 

“I wish they’d give us an aeroplane and send us 
scouting, don’t you?” 


THE CHARGE 


215 


might get what those two men got this 
morning. ’ ^ 

guess not. We^re lucky, you know,” 
laughed Jacques. 

‘‘Don’t I hear an aeroplane now!” exclaimed 
Leon, straightening up. 

“You certainly do. Here it comes too.” 

Over their heads flew one of the French army 
monoplanes evidently sent to find out what the 
Germans in the vicinity were planning to do. No 
one thought for a moment that because they had 
sustained a reverse the Germans would stop try- 
ing. In fact they were only expected to re- 
double their efforts on that account. As a mat- 
ter of fact their defeat was only a slight one 
anyway, when measured by some of the other 
battles of the great war. In the reports it would 
probably be put down as a severe skirmish. 

^ “They’ll get lost in the fog,” said Leon. 

“Fog,” exclaimed Jacques. “Yfhere is any 
fog?” 

“Just look out over that field and you’ll see it. 
Why it is rising right up out of the ground. ’ ’ 

“I wish we would have fog.” 

“Why do you wish that?” 

“Because I have a scheme,” said Jacques mys- 
teriously. “My father has often told me of some- 
thing they did in the fog during the Franco-Prus- 
sian War in 1870. I’d like to try it myself.” 


216 WITH JOFFEE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


‘‘Can you do it alone?’’ ^ 

“I should say not. It would take about all the 
men that are here. ’ ’ 

“How are you going to work it then?” 

“I’d have to suggest it to one of the officers 
and get him to try it.” 

“That would be pretty hard, I should think,” 
said Leon. 

“I’m afraid so, but there is never any harm 
in trying.” 

‘ ‘ Tell me what it is anyway, ’ ’ urged Leon. 

“Not at all,” smiled Jacques. “If the fog 
closes in I’ll tell you, but not otherwise.” 


CHAPTER XXin 


JACQUES^ SCHEME 

I N spite of Leon’s entreaties Jacques would 
not consent to disclose the nature of his 
scheme. ‘‘If the fog closes in very thick 
I’ll tell you,” was his answer to every question 
of his friend. 

“I don’t see your point in not telling me,” 
Leon insisted. 

“There is no point at all,” replied Jacques. 
“It is a wild scheme and you’d probably thinlc 
I was crazy. I want to submit it to our com- 
mander first and if he is agreeable to trying it, 
you’ll know soon enough.” 

“But I want to know now.” 

“You’re the most persistent person I’ve ever 
seen,” laughed Jacques. “I warn you once and 
for all, however, that I shall not tell you what 
it is unless the fog becomes much denser and un- 
less our commander thinks well of it.” 

“The fog is much thicker already,” exclaimed 
Leon, jumping to his feet and looking about him. 
“Not thick enough, though.” 

217 


218 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


stick this bayonet into yon,’^ threatened 
Leon, pretending to reach for his gun. 

‘^You canT even scare me that way,’’ laughed 
Jacques. ^‘Here comes some food for us anyway, 
so let’s declare an armistice until after luncheon.” 

^‘All right,” Leon agreed. ‘‘No longer than 
that, though.” 

The coarse plain fare was handed out to the 
soldiers who did not leave their places in the 
trenches. Every man was hungry however, for 
it had been a hard day and the soldiers had worked 
valiantly. 

“The best meal I ever ate,” announced Leon, 
as he drank his soup and munched the large chunk 
of black bread which was his portion. 

“It is pretty good, isn’t it?” said Jacques. 
“I didn’t realize how hungry I was until I began 
to eat. I think I could eat forever.” 

“I doubt that,” said Leon, laughing. “I know 
I couldn’t anyway. This food they give us seems 
to me to be very filling.” 

“It’s wholesome too, you may be sure of that. ’ ’ 

“Well, I haven’t complained of the cooking 
yet. So far I am very well satisfied with the 
board I am getting.” 

“You are perfectly suited with this hotel, are 
you?” Jacques inquired. 

“YeS) I am. That is there is only one thing 
I want.” 


JACQUES’ SCHEME 219 

dear sir,” exclaimed Jacques, pretending 
great politeness. ”Tell me what it is you wish 
and I shall he only too happy to accommodate 
you if it is in my power to do so.” 

‘‘Do you mean that I” 

“Of course I do.” 

“Very well, then,” said Leon quickly. “Tell 
me what your scheme is. ’ ’ 

“I said if it was in my power to do so I would 
accommodate you.” 

“That is in your power.” 

“Let me see,” said Jacques, standing up and 
looking about him. ‘ ‘ The fog is closing in thicker 
every minute, isn’t it!” 

“It certainly is,” Leon agreed. 

“Perhaps the time has come then.” 

Before Leon could restrain him Jacques sprang 
from his place in the trench and made his way 
quickly to the spot where one of the petty of- 
ficers was standing. He saluted, spoke a few 
words to the officer in a low voice who thereupon 
nodded his head, and Jacques soon disappeared 
in the fast gathering mist. 

Leon did not know what to make of his friend’s 
peculiar actions. He stood and watched him for 
several moments until he was out of sight and 
then resumed his place in the trenches once more^ 
completely mystified. As he sat down the whirr 
of propellers over his head made him look up in 


220 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


time to see the scout aeroplane, which had been 
sent out some time before, returning. 

‘‘Coming back before they get lost in the fog,” 
thought Leon. 

He had no idea of what Jacques had been hint- 
ing at, and he was very curious to know just what 
was in the mind of the young Frenchman. It 
was not like Jacques to conceal things in this 
way. Perhaps it was a silly scheme after all 
and he did not disclose it for fear of being 
laughed at. Still, thought Leon, he had rushed 
off to tell it to their commander so that he could 
not have considered it such a very foolish idea 
in spite of his remarks. 

While Leon was revolving these many thoughts 
in his mind Jacques suddenly reappeared. 

“It^s all right,” he announced. 

“What’s all right?” demanded Leon. 

“My scheme. I have received not only per- 
mission, but an order to try it.” 

“Tell me what it is.” 

“I haven’t time now. Come along. They’re 
waiting for us.” 

More puzzled than ever Leon followed his com- 
panion. The fog was now so dense that it was 
almost impossible to recognize figures at a dis- 
tance of more than thirty or forty feet. 

Jacques evidently knew just where he wanted 
to go however, and the two young soldiers soon 


JACQUES^ SCHEME 221 

arrived at their destination. This proved to be 
the headquarters of their commander. Here was 
gathered quite a large company of soldiers, at 
least a hundred, Leon thought. In the thick mist 
the men appeared almost like ghosts and it was 
impossible to estimate accurately just how many 
there were. 

Every man was furnished with a small hatchet, 
and the word was soon given to march. Leon had 
remained close beside Jacques all the time, but 
thus far he had had no chance to question him, 
and their mission still remained a deep mystery 
to him. 

They moved slowly forward, marching past 
their trenches down the hill and on into the small 
valley. They did not stop here, however, but kept 
on until they reached a large field, nearly a half 
mile beyond their lines. There ^s a German 
regiment about a mile from here,^’ said Jacques 
finally. 

^‘How do you knowT^ exclaimed Leon. 

‘^When I was at headquarters that aviator we 
saw start out a while ago arrived. He reported 
one of the Baden regiments resting on their arms 
about a mile and a half away.^’ 

‘^What are we going to doT^ 

^‘We’re after that regiment.’’ 

‘‘With axes?” exclaimed Leon. “Was that 
your scheme?” 


222 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


‘^You’ll see in a moment.’’ 

The boys had been conversing in low tones as 
they walked along, and as Jacques ceased speak- 
ing the order came to halt. 

The company halted and several of the men 
were sent to reconnoiter the surrounding country. 
The rest of the soldiers awaited their return in 
silence. 

^‘What’s up?” whispered Leon. 

‘‘Ssh,” Jacques cautioned. can’t tell you 
now. ’ ’ 

No further words were spoken and silence 
reigned throughout the whole body of men. Most 
of them were in the same predicament as Leon; 
they did not know why they were there or what 
they were expected to do. An air of mystery 
pervaded the proceedings and if the others were 
of the same mind as the young American boy they 
certainly were burning with curiosity. 

The figures of their companions appeared dim 
and shadowy in the dense fog that drifted in and 
covered everything with its damp folds. An air 
of tense excitement pervaded the men which the 
thick mist and the mystery of their expedition 
only served to increase. 

Suddenly a stir was felt all along the line. 
Some one was coming and it proved to be the 
scouting party returning. Its leader made his 


JACQUES^ SCHEME 223 

report to the commanding officer who turned and 
addressed a few curt orders to his men. 

The soldiers immediately broke ranks and scat- 
tered in all directions, while Jacques translated 
the orders to Leon. All the young American had 
understood was some word about a tree. 

‘‘We are each to cut three saplings between 
five and six feet high,’^ he said. 

“Fire-wood to cook dinner with, I suppose,” 
remarked Leon. 

“Don’t be sarcastic.” 

“I can’t help it. I don’t like this business of 
not knowing what I am doing. Everything is so 
secret it makes me mad.” 

“Don’t forget this, Leon,” said Jacques quietly. 
“A soldier’s duty is to obey his orders and noth- 
ing else. Suppose it was necessary to explain 
every move that was made to all the troops. 
Wouldn’t that be a nice state of affairs?” 

“That’s all right, too, but you wouldn’t tell 
me what you had in mind and you’re not an of- 
ficer. At least not yet. ’ ’ 

“I didn’t feel sure that I had any right to tell 
you,” exclaimed Jacques. “You know I’d tell 
you anything if I thought it was all right to do 
so.” 

“Don’t you trust me?” 

“Of course I do. Please don’t say such a 


224 WITH JOFFEE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


tiling, and you know as well as I do that that 
was not the reason why I kept silent. ’ ’ 

‘H guess I was wrong, said Leon soberly. 
‘‘It^s really none of my business what we are go- 
ing to do, and I won’t make another mistake.” 

don’t want you to have any hard feelings 
toward me,” said Jacques. 

‘^You know I haven’t any, and never shall 
have, ’ ’ exclaimed Leon impetuously. ‘ ‘ The whole 
thing was my fault and I had forgotten that part 
of what a soldier ’s duty is until you reminded me 
of it just now. I am much obliged to you for 
telling me, too, and I trust I ’ve learned my lesson. 
I ’m glad .you told me what you did, for if you 
hadn’t some one else would and he wouldn’t be 
as nice about it either. ’ ’ 

^‘Here are the saplings,” exclaimed Jacques 
suddenly. 

Three apiece you said, didn’t you?” remarked 
Leon as he set to work. 

‘^Yes, three, and we are to be as quiet as pos- 
sible while we are working too.” 

Both boys immediately set to work at their task. 
Leon felt ashamed of himself in the face of the 
quiet rebuke his comrade had administered and 
he made up his mind that never again would he 
forget himself as he had that day. He realized 
that curiosity as to orders was not a part of 


JACQUES’ SCHEME 


225 


a good soldier’s makeup and from now on he was 
determined to be a good soldier. 

In a very few moments both young boys had 
cut their allotment of saplings. They were ready 
to return. 

‘‘You’ll see something interesting now,” re- 
marked Jacques as they made their way back to 
the place where the rest of their company was 
waiting. 

This was indeed true. When they arrived at 
their destination every man was busy driving 
his sapling into the ground. The branches had 
been trimmed from them and one end sharpened. 
This was driven into the ground a few inches, 
so that it stood solidly. 

“About ten feet apart,” suggested Jacques. 

“The stakes, you mean?” asked Leon. 

“Yes. Drive them in so they’ll stand firmly.” 

Puzzled as he was, Leon made no remark but 
did as he was told. When his three stakes had 
been planted he and Jacques joined the rest of 
their company which now was forming some little 
distance away. When every man was back in his 
place, a half dozen soldiers with huge bags started 
out along the many stakes standing all about 
them. 

“Watch these fellows,” whispered Jacques. 

They went rapidly from one stake to another 


226 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


and taking soldiers’ caps from the bags they car- 
ried they placed one on the top of each stake. In 
a very few moments every stake was adorned with 
one of these pieces of headgear. 

“Why,” exclaimed Leon. “In this fog they 
look like soldiers.” 

“That’s what they’re supposed to look like,” 
said Jacques eagerly. “Do you really think any 
one would be fooled by them?” 

“I don’t see why not.” 

“Well, they’ll look stiU more like soldiers in a 
little while,” went on Jacques. “There will be 
some houghs hung on the stakes to make them 
look fatter.” 

“I’m beginning to see your scheme,” said Leon 
quietly. 

“Of course you are. By this time there is a 
large force of our troops on each side of us and 
one from the direction in which we came.” 

“And we’re to lure the Germans into a trap 
here, I suppose.” 

“Exactly. If we can get that Baden regiment 
to chase us and lead them back here, there’ll be 
some action, I can tell you. ’ ’ 

“This was all your scheme, too,” exclaimed 
Leon, looking at his companion in admiration. 
“You’re a wonder, Jacques.” 

“Wait and see. The scheme hasn’t been suc- 
cessful yet and anyway it wasn’t my scheme. I 


JACQUES^ SCHEME 


227 


told you my father was with a regiment that did 
exactly the same thing in the Franco-Prussian 
War.^’ 

A sharp order put an end to all further con- 
versation between the two young soldiers. The 
command to march had been given and the com- 
pany immediately moved. 

‘^We’re going to try to lure the Germans on 
now/^ exclaimed Jacques, in a low voice. Let’s 
hope we have good luck. ’ ’ 

^‘We always have that.” 

As they made their way cautiously forward into 
the fog, the two boys looked behind them. The 
field of sticks, every one adorned with a cap, cer- 
tainly presented the appearance of a body of 
troops, and as Leon and Jacques saw them 
through the fog they were startled for a moment 
themselves as the ghostlike figures nodded in the 
mist. 


CHAPTER XXIV 


H 


A SUCCESSFUL RUSE 

'OW near are we to this German regi- 
ment?’^ Leon inquired. 

‘I’ve no idea. Our scouts prob- 
ably have located them, however.” 

They marched on in silence for some distance 
when Leon suddenly turned to Jacques. 

“I just happened to think,” he exclaimed. 
“What is there to prevent us from being shot 
down along with the Germans? If we are suc- 
cessful in leading them into our trap I don’t see 
how our troops can tell us apart.” 

Jacques merely laughed at this. “I forgot that 
you don’t understand French very well,” he said. 
“Consequently you didn’t hear what was said 
about that.” 

“No, of course I didn’t.” 

“This is what we are to do. Just before we 
reach the scarecrows on our fake retreat we are 
to turn off sharply to the left. The Germans 
won’t be able to see us in this fog and they’ll 
keep straight ahead, at least we hope they will.” 

228 


A SUCCESSFUL RUSE 229 

‘‘Well, how are we going to tell when we our- 
selves are close to the scarecrows ! ^ ’ 

“Don^t worry about that. We will have men 
posted to warn us.’’ 

“All right, then,” said Leon. “Now that 
everything is provided for I am anxious to start 
the fun. Bring on your Germans!” 

“You’ll see them soon enough, and it will be a 
ticklish piece of work too, I can tell you. We’d 
better not talk any more either or we may get 
in trouble.” 

On through the fog they went. Now and again 
a halt was called, while a few men were sent ahead 
to see if they were approaching the Germans. 
Upon receiving a report that they had not yet 
come within striking distance, the order was 
given to proceed once more. This occurred sev- 
eral times and on every new occasion additional 
caution was exercised. Evidently it was ex- 
pected that the Germans would be encountered at 
any moment now. 

Only a small proportion of the French were 
armed with rifles. These soldiers took the front 
rank and were to fire a few volleys into the ranks 
of the Germans when they should come within 
range. The rest of the men were merely to show 
themselves and give the impression that their 
forces were considerable. The number of men 
sent on the expedition was believed to be suffi- 


230 WITH JOFFEE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


ciently large to tempt the Germans into pursuing 
them. 

After each volley it was planned that the French 
should retreat a few yards into the fog. The 
idea was to expose themselves as little as possible, 
but continually to draw on the enemy. 

‘‘This will be our last stop before the fun be- 
gins, I think,’’ whispered Jacques when they had 
halted for at least the sixth tiihe. 

“I hope so,” answered Leon. “I’m beginning 
to get nervous and I wish something would hap- 
pen.” 

“Here we go,” exclaimed Jacques as the word 
came to advance. 

In open formation the French slowly moved 
forward. Their line was spread over consider- 
able ground and every man was left more or less 
to his own devices. At a time like this it was 
almost impossible to maintain any regular forma- 
tion. The orders had been issued and the men 
were expected to follow them to the best of their 
ability. 

Slowly and cautiously they crept forward. The 
game they were playing was a dangerous one and 
great caution was necessary. Leon and Jacques 
had kept side by side and they both saw the Ger- 
mans at the same moment. A dark mass sud- 
denly loomed* up through the mist in front of 
them, and the two boys immediately stopped. 


A SUCCESSFUL RUSE 


231 


Their companions had also seen the Germans. 
The soldiers that had gnns fired into the midst 
of the regiment halted there before them, and 
then all the French immediately retreated. Not 
so far, however, as to lose sight of their foes 
w^ho returned their fire at once. 

Sharp commands could be heard as they were 
issued by the German officers. The pursuit of 
the French who had dared to fire on them was 
started with no loss of time. It was evidently the 
opinion of the German officers that a considerable 
force of the French had blundered upon them in 
the fog and they were determined to waste no 
time in joining battle. 

Neither Leon nor Jacques was armed except 
for their automatic revolvers, but they played 
their part well. After each volley they turned 
and ran rapidly in the direction whence they had 
come and continued until they were out of sight 
of the Germans. Then they stopped and waited 
with the rest of their company until the oncoming 
Germans once more appeared. Then the same 
maneuver was repeated. 

That the ruse was working successfully was 
made plain by the fact that the Germans still 
pursued them. They fired many shots on their 
part also, but as far as Leon or Jacques could tell 
none of their own men had been struck. It was 
also likely that the French bullets had done slight 


232 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


damage. In so dense a fog it was out of the 
question to shoot accurately, unless one knew the 
range. The reserve troops waiting on the three 
sides of the dummy army in the rear, had obtained 
the range, however, and if they should ever get 
an opportunity to shoot, they would unquestion- 
ably cause a great deal of havoc. 

‘Ht’s working like a charm, Jacques,’’ ex- 
claimed Leon excitedly, as they halted after one 
of their short retreats. 

‘^So far it is,” replied Jacques. ‘‘I hope I 
live to see it end successfully.” 

As he finished speaking a bullet whined past 
them, making its way directly between the two 
young soldiers. They both ducked involuntarily, 
though they knew that of course the bullet must 
have already passed them or they could not have 
heard it. 

^‘Whew, that was close!” exclaimed Jacques. 

‘‘Too close for comfort I should say,” replied 
Leon. “I wouldn’t mind it so much if we only 
had a couple of rifles and could return the compli- 
ment.” 

“We have our pistols.” 

“It would only be a waste of ammunition to fire 
them.” 

‘ ‘ Perhaps you ’re right. Here they come again, 
anyway.” 

The shadowy forms of the Germans once more 


A SUCCESSFUL RUSE 


233 


appeared, advancing through the mist. A volley 
was fired by the French and then as before they all 
turned and ran. Bullets whistled over their 
heads and the spiteful bark of the German guns 
sounded over the field. 

‘‘The Germans are using more guns than they 
were,’^ exclaimed Leon. 

“I think they are. The whole regiment must 
be after us now.^’ 

“We must be getting near home, too, I should 
think. 

“It seems so, but it is hard to tell in this fog.’^ 

“LeUs hope we are going in the right direction 
anyway.’^ 

“We’re all right enough on that score, I’m 
sure,” said Jacques confidently. 

Again the Germans appeared. Again the 
French fired a volley and once more they turned 
and ran. They had covered only a few paces, 
when they encountered the sentries posted near 
the army of scarecrows. 

“This way, Leon! This way!” shouted 
Jacques. 

“Go ahead. I’ll follow right behind you,” re- 
sponded Leon, and veering sharply to their left 
the two young soldiers ran at top speed for their 
lives. To have remained where they were would 
have meant almost certain death, for on three 
sides of the field were hundreds of French rifles 


234 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


and at least a score of machine guns. All were 
trained upon the very spot which the two hoys 
were fast leaving behind them in their mad flight. 

‘^Run, Leon, run!’’ panted Jacques. 

‘‘I’m running all right,” gasped Leon, who was 
only a stride behind his friend. On all sides of 
them were other men of their force, every man 
putting forth his best efforts to cover the ground 
as rapidly as possible. It was a strange sight 
to see all these ghostly figures fleeing through the 
mist and Leon could not help comparing the 
scene with the start of a gigantic cross-country 
race. This was a race for life, however. At any 
moment the French guns might open fire and woe 
to any man caught in that deadly rain of lead. 

Suddenly Jacques stumbled. His foot had 
caught in a bramble and before he could regain 
his balance he plunged forward and fell prone on 
his face. Leon, only a step behind, was unable 
to change his course in time to save himself and 
he too fell headlong over the prostrate body of 
his young companion. 

Both were slightly stunned for a moment and 
before they could recover themselves and start 
again the battle began. From all sides came the 
spit of the rifles and the rattle of machine guns. 
While they were at least seventy-five yards dis- 
tant from the scarecrows, the two young soldiers 


A SUCCESSFUL RUSE 235 

were still between the battle lines and their plight 
was a serious one. 

Quick, Jacques! Come over here!’’ ex- 
claimed Leon. He had discovered a huge boulder 
near at hand and in the shelter of this great rock 
the two boys took refuge. 

^^We’re in for it now,” panted Jacques as he 
scrambled to a place alongside his companion. 
‘‘What a fool I was to trip that way.” 

“Never mind that, Jacques. You couldn’t help 
it.” 

“It was so clumsy of me, though.” 

“Forget about it and listen to those guns. 
We’d better give thanks that we are where we 
are and not where that German regiment is just 
now. ’ ’ 

“I wonder if they’re in the trap.” 

“There’s no doubt of it,” said Leon confidently. 
“Just as we got on our feet again I heard them 
cheer. They had evidently caught sight of the 
scarecrows, mistaken them for our soldiers and 
started to charge. I suppose that when they 
cheered that was the signal for our men to open 
fire. ’ ’ 

“Poor fellows, I feel sort of sorry for them 
now. Just think, it was my suggestion that 
brought them to their destruction, too.” 

“This is war, Jacques,” exclaimed Leon. 


236 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


^‘How many times have you reminded me of that 
fact! You did your duty and you’ll probably be 
promoted. ’ ’ 

‘‘What nonsense,” said Jacques quickly. He 
disliked to hear himself praised and immediately 
changed the subject. “Listen to our guns,” he 
cried. “There won’t be a single German left 
in a few moments if it keeps up at this rate.” 

“They’re returning the fire, all right,” said 
Leon. ‘ ‘ Look there. ’ ’ 

He pointed as he spoke to a furrow in the soft 
earth not four feet from where they were sitting. 
A shot had struck that spot and plowed up the 
ground for a distance of almost a foot. 

“That was coming our way, too,” exclaimed 
Jacques. 

“It certainly was, and I don’t like this seat very 
much either.” 

“Where can we go! We are at least safe from 
our own guns here and they would be more likely 
to hit us than the Germans.” 

“I know it,” said Leon ruefully. “I realize 
that we can’t move, but that doesn’t make me 
like our position any better.” 

The firing kept up incessantly. The Germans 
had replied strongly to it at first, but little by 
little their resistance weakened. Evidently they 
had become bewildered when they discovered the 
trap into which they had been led. Then too the 


A SUCCESSFUL RUSE 


237 


rain of bullets poured into tbeir midst out of the 
fog must have further added to their confusion. 
The best of discipline and the very stoutest of 
hearts might well fail under such circumstances. 

‘^Our men don’t seem to be easing up any, do 
they!” said Leon after a few moments in which 
he and Jacques sat in silence, huddled up close to 
their protecting boulder. 

“Not much. I guess they want to do the job 
up right.” 

“But they can’t see what they’re shooting at.” 

“They don’t need to. With all those machine 
guns they can sweep practically every inch of the 
ground and a man wouldn’t stand a ghost of a 
show to escape alive. ’ ’ 

“Thank goodness for this big rock is all I can 
say,” ejaculated Leon. 

“I should say so. Listen to that!” 

On the opposite side of their stone refuge could 
be heard the patter of bullets striking hard and 
fast. This continued for a moment while the 
two young soldiers crouched lower and lower in 
an elfort to make themselves as inconspicuous 
as possible. The hail of lead could next be heard 
playing over the ground nearby. The earth flew 
up in tiny clouds and the bullets striking the 
leaves and bushes, sounded like the patter of 
heavy hailstones during a summer shower. 

“Tell them to fire somewhere else, Jacques,”" 


238 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


exclaimed Leon. makes me nervous to have 
them so near to us. ’ ’ 

‘‘They can’t hit us,” said Jacques confidently. 
“They’re just making sure that they aren’t going 
to miss any one. It would be too bad if any of 
the Germans should be slighted.” 

“I wish we could see what is going on.” 

“Well, I’m glad the Germans can’t see us.” 

“That’s true, but by this time I guess they 
wouldn’t do us very much damage.” 

“No, I should say not,” agreed Jacques. 
“Don’t I feel a little breeze blowing now! If I 
do this fog will go away and we’ll be able to see 
what has happened here in front of us.” 

“Yes, I think there is a breeze,” said Leon. 
“We should be able to get back to our lines in a 
few moments if it only keeps up.” 


CHAPTER XXT 


CONCLUSIOIC 

T he breeze freshened, and, as it blew over 
the battlefield, the fog slowly lifted. 
Little by little the mist cleared away and 
presently it became possible to distinguish objects 
at a considerable distance. 

Firing on the part of the Germans had almost 
ceased. Now and again the sound of rifle shots 
was heard, coming from the place that the army 
of scarecrows had occupied, but the shots were 
few and far between. The French guns too were 
practically silent. 

^‘The fight is over, I guess, exclaimed Leon at 
last. 

‘‘So it seems. I^d like to see what has become 
of that German regiment, though,^’ replied 
Jacques. “I wonder if many escaped.’’ 

“I don’t see how they could escape. Anyway, 
we’ll be able to see in a few moments now. I 
wonder who it is that is doing the firing down 
there.” 

“There can’t be many of them.” 

239 


240 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


‘‘No, indeed, but I don’t see how it is that any 
one would stay there if he was alive and could 
walk.” 

“How could they get away!” demanded 
Jacques. 

“We held them on only three sides. They could 
retreat the way they came.” 

“No, they couldn’t either. As soon as the fir- 
ing began, we sent troops to close up that gap 
too. They were caught in a complete trap.” 

“A pretty good scheme of yours, Jacques, I 
should say,” exclaimed Leon. “Look,” he added 
quickly. “There are the men who are doing all 
the shooting.” 

The fog suddenly swept clear the field where 
once the German regiment had stood. And what 
a sight it was that greeted the gaze of the two 
young soldiers crouched behind the boulder. The 
ground seemed to be literally covered with the 
bodies of the dead and wounded. The entire regi- 
ment practically had been annihilated. 

Apparently only five of the Germans were left. 
They lay prone on their stomachs, and as rapidly 
as they could load their rifles they used them to 
show their defiance of their French foes. The 
five men went coolly about their task, and, formed 
in a circle, they presented a bold front to their 
opponents on every side. 

“What a sight!” exclaimed Leon. “There are 


CONCLUSION 


241 


certainly five brave men left on that field. Did 
you ever see anything like thatr^ 

‘‘I never did/’ replied Jacques. 

‘^Look there,” said Leon. ‘^Our men are giv- 
ing them a cheer. ’ ’ 

Sure enough the French soldiers, always ready 
to admire and applaud bravery, in a great cheer 
were voicing their regard for the five brave 
Germans. The French firing had entirely 
ceased, and as the cheer rang out over the blood- 
stained battlefield, the five Germans rose to their 
feet. They held up their hands in token of sur- 
render, and once more they were loudly cheered. 

A squad of soldiers made their way out from 
the French lines, the Germans surrendered their 
arms and were led back as prisoners. 

Then the Red Cross workers immediately pre- 
pared to do all in their power for the sufferers on 
the field. Ambulances were brought up and the 
doctors and surgeons set to work to adminis.ter the 
first aid to the injured. 

‘ ‘ Let ’s move ! ’ ’ said Jacques suddenly. He and 
Leon had been sitting as if stunned while they 
watched the proceedings in front of them. The 
full realization of the terrible punishment in- 
flicted on the German regiment had not dawned 
on them at first. 

‘‘Yes,” agreed Leon soberly. “Let’s move.” 

They arose to their feet and looked about them. 


242 WITH JOFFEE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


A hundred yards away were their own lines and 
toward these they walked, leaving the vivid pic- 
ture of destruction and war behind them. As they 
neared the trenches they were hailed by their com- 
panions who expressed great surprise at seeing 
them come from that direction. 

meant to look at that boulder,” said Leon 
suddenly. ‘H wanted to see what damage those 
bullets did to the other side of it.” 

looked at it,” said Jacques. ‘‘All I can say 
is that it was a lucky thing for us that we were 
not in the way of that gun.” 

“Did they do very much to the boulder TV 

“Not such a great deal. They were only 
machine gun bullets.” 

“They would be enough to fix us though, I 
guess,” said Leon quietly. 

“If you don’t think so, just look behind you 
and see what they did to the Germans. They 
ought to convince you soon.” 

“I don’t need to be convinced, thanks.” 

They arrived at the trenches and received a 
hearty welcome. Great curiosity was expressed 
by their fellow soldiers as to how they happened 
to be where they were. When the circumstances 
were related by Jacques there was many a laugh, 
and many exclamations at the luck of the two boys 
in happening to find themselves so near a shelter. 

“I’m getting so I almost count on being lucky 


CONCLUSION 243 

now/’ said Leon some time later when he and 
Jacques were talking over their experiences. 

“I almost expect it myself,” laughed Jacques. 
‘‘You know I always protested that it was wrong 
for you to talk about our luck the way you did, 
but I am beginning to think there may be some- 
thing in it after all.” 

The two boys were lying on their blankets in 
their tent. They had been ordered to withdraw 
from the trenches, while fresh troops took their 
places just as they themselves had relieved others 
a short time before. Both young soldiers were 
in need of rest and the chance to enjoy a few 
hours of it had been most welcome to them. At 
the same time they did not wish to leave the 
trenchesu Something about the battle line, its 
dangers and excitements appealed to them 
strongly and as soon as they should be rested they 
were aware that they would be eager once more 
to take their places at the front. 

They were now preparing to turn in and rest 
for a few hours, and as boys often do before go- 
ing to sleep they were talking over the events of 
the day. 

“WeVe certainly given it to the Germans hard 
the last two days, ’ ’ said J acques exultantly. ‘ ‘ A 
few more days like these and we’ll have them on 
the run.” 

“Don’t forget this, though,” warned Leon. 


244 WITH JOFFRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


^‘This battle line is at least two hundred miles 
long and things may have turned out the other 
way ’round in many of the places where fighting 
is going on. ’ ’ 

“That’s very true,” agreed Jacqueei, “but let 
me tell you one thing. The Germans are beaten 
right now. ’ ’ 

“That’s a pretty s.trong statement.” 

“I know it is, and I guess I’ve made it to you 
before too. Just the same I believe that last week 
when the French and English crumpled up Gen- 
eral von Kluck’s army and drove it back from 
Paris, that meant final victory for the Allies. It 
will be some time coming but it will get here all 
right.” 

“Let’s hope so anyway. Not that I mind fight- 
ing, for I don’t a bit. In fact I rather like it, 
but as long as I am enlisted on the side of the 
Allies I naturally want to see them win.” 

^ ^ I wonder what people in America think of this 
war,” said Jacques. 

“I too would like to know. You see I haven’t 
heard a word from any of my family since I first 
enlisted, ’way back in the early part of last 
month. ’ ’ 

“Where do you think your brother is?” 

“I haven’t the least idea. You know I left him 
in England last July, and I haven’t heard from 
him since. ’ ’ 


CONCLUSION 


245 


‘^You wrote him, though!’^ 

‘ ‘ Oh, yes, ^ ’ said Leon. ‘ ‘ Of course I wrote him 
and my family too, just as soon as I enlisted. 
I^m not sure that they have received my letters 
though, and I’m very sure that I have received 
none from them. ’ ’ 

‘‘But how could you?” 

“What do you mean?” 

“Why,” said Jacques, “they probably have no 
idea where you are even if they do know you 
have enlisted. How could they send a letter to 
you?” 

“I never really thought of that,” laughed Leon. 
“I’d feel better if I was sure they knew where I 
am. They wouldn’t worry so much.” 

“No,” laughed Jacques, “I suppose they 
wouldn’t worry at all. If they only knew what 
you’d been doing I guess they’d think you were 
just as safe as you would be in your own bed. ’ ’ 

“Oh, well, it can’t be helped now anyway. I 
wouldn’t be a bit surprised if Earl himself had 
enlisted. ’ ’ 

“Earl is your brother, isn’t he?” 

“Yes, and he’s just as apt to turn up here any 
time as not. I wouldn’t be a bit surprised to see 
him arrive here at — ” 

Before he could finish the sentence the flap of 
the tent was lifted and a man’s arm appeared, 
thrust through the opening. 


246 WITH JOFFEE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


Leon caught his breath and stared at the en- 
trance to the tent with wide open eyes. Could it 
he possible that his prediction was coming true 
and that his twin brother Earl had really arrived ? 
It seemed odd anyway, that just as he was speak- 
ing of such a thing some one should come to their 
tent. His suspicions proved to be unfounded, 
however. 

The owner of the arm was an orderly with a 
letter for Jacques. He handed it to the young 
soldier and then withdrew. 

^ ‘ Whew ! ^ ^ exclaimed Leon. ‘ ‘ That fellow gave 
me a had start. For a few seconds I felt sure 
that Earl had arrived here. WhaFs your letter, 
Jacques r’ 

Jacques made no reply. He was reading his 
letter and was so deeply interested in its contents 
that he did not even hear his friend’s question. 

‘H suppose we’re ordered away somewhere,” 
exclaimed Leon. ^‘Oh, well, I don’t care if we 
are, as long as we aren’t sent to East Prussia or 
Poland or some place like that. It’s too cold 
over there in the winter time. ’ ’ 

Jacques made no response, hut merely handed 
his missive to Leon without any comment. The 
young Frenchman’s face was wreathed in smiles, 
however. 

Leon looked at the letter. can’t read that, 
Jacques,” he said. ^Ht’s all in French and I 


CONCLUSION 


247 


could only make out half of what it says. Trans- 
late it into English and read it out loud to me.’’ 

Jacques laughed. ‘‘Are you sure you want to 
hear it! ” he asked. 

“How do I know? I don’t know what is in 
it” 

“All right,” said Jacques, “here goes. It is 
sent from Staff Headquarters, wherever they are. 
The name of the place is censored. Here’s the 
rest of it, — ‘Privates Jacques Dineau and Leon 
Platt, attached to the 106th regiment. Fifteenth 
Army Corp's of the army of the Eepublic of 
France, have this day been awarded the medal of 
honor for distinguished service and for bravery 
on the field of battle.’ It is signed ‘ Joffre.’ ” 

“Don’t fool me,” warned Leon. “You’ll re- 
gret it if you do.” 

“I’m not fooling you,” exclaimed Jacques. “I 
read you exactly what was in the letter. What 
do you think of it ? ” 

“ Is it really true ? ’ ’ 

“Of course it is.” 

With a wild whoop of joy Leon sprang to his 
feet and waved his hands about his head. At 
least he tried to do these things, but the very 
cramped quarters which he and Jacques occupied 
prevented him from fully expressing his feelings. 
At length he subsided and resumed his place on 
the floor. 


248 WITH JOFPRE ON THE BATTLE LINE 


“That’s the greatest piece of news I ever had,” 
he panted. 

“It’s pretty nice, isn’t it?” said Jacques. 

Pretty nice!” exclaimed Leon. ^‘Pretty, 
nice! Well, I should say so. You know,” he 
added. “I’d like to quit the army right now 
and just pin that medal on my chest and walk 
around and let people envy me my good luck.” 

“But we won’t quit the army,” said Jacques. 

“No, I guess not, but I’d like to on that ac- 
count. ’ ’ 

“You’re not serious, are you!” 

“No, of course I’m not. I wouldn’t stop now 
if I had a chance. ” 

“That’s the way to talk, Leon!” exclaimed 
Jacques, heartily. “For a moment I thought you 
were serious.” 

“I should say not. I was only joking when I 
said I wanted to. There are two things I do 
want, though.” 

“What are they!” 

‘ ‘ One thing is sleep. ’ ’ 

“I want some of that myself. What is the 
other!” 

“The other is to get back in the trenches as 
soon as possible.” 

“We’ll be there again to-morrow, I hope. 
Let’s get some sleep now anyway.” 

The two young soldiers stretched themselves 


CONCLUSION 249 

on tlieir blankets and made ready to enjoy a well 
deserved rest. 

‘^Good-night, Leon,’’ said Jacques. 
“Good-night,” responded Leon. 

In a remarkably short time the only sound to 
be heard within the tent was the regular breath- 
ing of two, tired, but proud young soldiers of the 
army of France. 


THE END 


Thrilling Stories of 
The Big European War 


THE BIG WAR SERIES 

(Trade Mark Reg.) 

By Ross Kay 


Great events are the harbingers of great 
deeds. The big European war is one of 
the greatest, epoch-making events in the 
world’s history, and it is only fitting and 
proper that one of the best known American 
writers of juvenile fiction should come to 
the front with the most thrilling stories of these stirring times. 
Not a description of battles, nor the study of strategical cam- 
paigns, but good, wholesome fiction with a little of the historical 
interwoven. 

The author has visited the places to which reference has been 
made and strives to give his young readers an authentic, exciting 
and instructive narrative on the history which is now in the 
making. 

Titles 

1. The Search for the Spy 

2. The Air Scout 

3. Dodging the North Sea Mines 

4. With Joffre on the Battle Line. 



Large I2mo, Cloth. Illustrated. Price per volume 60 cents 


For tale at all bookstorei, or sent ( postage paid) on receipt of price by the publishers. 


Publishers 


BARSE & HOPKINS 

526 West 26th Street 


New York 




As Popular As The Game Itself 

THE 

BIG LEAGUE SERIES 

(Trade Mark Registered) 

By Burt L. Standish 

Endorsed by such stars of baseballdom as 
Christy Mathewson, Ty Cobb 
and Walter Johnson. 

An American boy with plenty of grit — baseball 
at its finest — and the girl in the case — these 
are the elements which compose the most successful juvenile fic- 
tion ever written. You don’t have to be a “fan” to enjoy these 
books ; all you need be is really human and alive, with plenty of 
red blood in your veins. 

The author managed a “Bush League” team a number of years 
ago and is thoroughly familiar with the actions of baseball players 
on and off the field. All Americans, young and old, who have 
enjoyed the thrills and excitement of our national game, are sure 
to read with delight, these splendid stories of baseball and romance. 

1. Lefty o’ the Bush 
2* Lefty o’ the Big League 

3. Lefty o’ the Blue Stockings 

4. Lefty o’ the Training Camp 

5. Brick King, Backstop 

6. The Making of a Big Leaguer 

7. Courtney of the Center Garden 

8. Covering the Look-in Corner 



Large 12 mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Price per volume 60 cents 

For sale at all bookstores, or sent (postage paid) upon receipt of price by the publishers. 

BARSE & HOPKINS 

Publishers 526 West 26th Street New York 



THE 

BOLTWOOD SERIES 

By 

Gilbert Patten. 

Mr. Patten’s intimate knowledge of college life and 
college athletics is clearly indicated in these volumes, and the 
stories he weaves around these episodes proclaim him to be a 
master in his art. They will interest alike the young collegi- 
an and the older graduate, for here they will find stories of 
uncommon interest which deal with phases of life of which 
they are so familiar. 

The make-up of the book is in harmony with the text. 
Bound in extra quality Yale blue cloth, with cover design 
stamped in three inks and gold. Each book contains four 
colored illustrations, and specially designed end-sheets front 
and back, and wrapper printed in blue ink and gold. 

Large i2mo. Cloth Per vol., Net, $x.oo 

1 Boltwood of Yale. 

2 The College Rebel. 

For sale at all bookstores 

BARSE & HOPKINS 


Published 


526 West 26th Street 


New York 


BOOKS FOR BOYS 

From eignt to twelve years old. 

THE BOBBY BLAKE SERIES 
By Frank A. Warner 

Large 12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Price per volume 
50 cents, net. 

True stories of life at a modern American boarding 
school. Bobby attended this institution of learning with his 
particular chum and the boys had no end of good times. 
The tales of outdoor life, especially the exciting times they 
have when engaged in sports against rival schools, are written 
in a manner so true, so realistic, that the reader, too, is sure 
to share with these boys their thrills and pleasures. 

BOBBY BLAKE AT ROCKLEDGE SCHOOL 

Or Winning the Medal of Honor 

BOBBY BLAKE AT BASS COVE 

Or the Hunt for the Motor Boat Gem 

BOBBY BLAKE ON A CRUISE 

Or the Castaways of Volcano Island 

\ 

For sale at all book stores. 


Publish ERSj 


BARSE & HOPKINS 

526 W. 26th St. 


New York 


GAMES FOR 
ALL OCCASIONS 

By MARY E. BLAIN 


A most complete book of games for young and old — 
games for tiny tots — games for children and games 
for adults. Also games for special occasions such as 

HALLOWE’EN ST. VALENTINE’S DAY 

CHRISTMAS LINCOLN’S BIRTHDAY 

EASTER FOURTH OF JULY 

MAY DAY NEW YEAR’S DAY 

WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY, ETC. 

A great many new and novel suggestions are given 
as to how to decorate the house and what to serve 
on these special occasions. 

Cloth binding, size 5 ^ in. x 7 ^ in., net 60 c. 


For sale at all book stores, or sent (postage paid) on receipt 
of price, by the publishers 

BARSE & HOPKINS 

526 WEST 26th STREET :: :: :: NEW YORK 









t 


f 


0 


..A *, ^ r * • • 

•' . / 

^ > K* - ■'. 


■» . * * 


♦ / 


t 






*0 




X ' 
1 * 



t 


■ 


0 


9 


I 


0 


\ 


I 


I 




'V. 


•, / 

% 



I 


V?** 


f 

> 


I 


«• 


I 


« 


» 


r 


« 

■ l 


I 

f 


' f 


1 


AU ft) 

(* 



: • VA' ^ 


\' 


: .*> 




' / 


.\T 

■« . •fk. *' 



< I * 


» * > 

1 

v > 



UBRARY OF CONGRESS 




